Altitudinal distribution of mosquitoes in mountainous area of Garhwal region: Part-I.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Mosquito fauna diversity in mountainous areas of Garhwal region was studied during November 2000 to October 2002 to correlate the altitudinal vegetation and distribution of mosquitoes. METHODS Adult mosquitoes and mosquito immatures were collected using WHO methods and identified using standard keys and catalogues. Altitude of mosquito habitat was measured using portable altimeter and also by GPS. RESULTS Altogether 34 species in five genera--Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex and Uranotaenia were encountered in the present study in the altitude range of 300 to 2000 m. Majority of the mosquitoes were found in between 300 to 900 m altitude except Culex vagus and Anopheles maculatus, which were found throughout the range. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The mosquitoes were categorised into six groups based on their altitudinal distribution. The areas at lowest elevation were having the greatest number of species but not the corresponding greater number of specimens in the present study.