Vol. 5(10), pp. 132-136, December, 2013 DOI: 10.5897/JPVB2013.0133 ISSN 2141-2510 © 2013 Academic Journals http://www.academicjournals.org/JPVB Journal of Parasitology and Vector Biology Full Length Research Paper Distribution, abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Afolabi Olajide Joseph*, Simon-Oke Iyabo Adepeju and Osomo Bilikis Omosalewa Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Accepted 31 October, 2013 The distribution, abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in Akure, were studied between April, 2012 and March, 2013. Twenty (20) locations randomly distributed across five geographical zones of the city were sampled using sweep nets, aspirators, dippers and pipettes. The habitats sampled include containers, stagnant pools, domestic run-offs and gutters. The larvae collected were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified to species level using X40 dissecting microscope and morphological keys. 30 species distributed among 5 genera were identified during the study. The distribution and abundance of the 30 species of mosquitoes varied significantly (p<0.05). Culex andersoni was found to be most abundant in the study area with 23.1% abundance followed by Culex fatigans (21.9%) while Toxorhynchites brevipalpis was the least abundant (0.05%). Combination of factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, relative humidity, conductivity and anthropogenic related factors contributed to the increasing abundance of mosquitoes in the study area. The occurrence of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex is suggestive of the prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and filariasis in the area. Therefore, intensive vector control programmes and public enlightenment especially on human activities that encourage mosquito breeding are recommended. Key words: Mosquitoes, Culex andersoni, Toxorhychite brevipalpis, abundance. INTRODUCTION For any vector control measures to be successful, good knowledge of the breeding ecology of mosquitoes including, the types and preferences for larval habitats, spatial and temporal distribution of breeding sites, as well as, the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of the habitats are required (Olayemi et al., 2010). Studies have also revealed that convenient aquatic breeding sites for certain mosquito species may be inconvenient for other species (Adebote et al., 2008; Afolabi et al., 2010). Mosquitoes exploit almost all types of lentic aquatic habitats for breeding and larvae of mos- quitoes have been found to thrive in aquatic bodies such as fresh or salt water marshes, mangrove swamps, rice fields, grassy ditches, the edges of streams and rivers and small, temporary rain pools. Many species prefer habitats with vegetation while some breed in open, sunlit pools. A few species breed in tree holes or the leaf axils of some plants (Kitching, 2001). According to Mutero et al. (2004) and Okorie et al. (1978), mosquitoes show preference to water with suitable pH, optimum temperature, dissolved oxygen, concentration of ammonia, nitrate. These physico-chemical parameters have been found to affect larval development and survival in breeding water. These physicochemical parameters vary from one spe- cies to another. For instance, pH of 7.4 was found to be suitable for Aedes mosquitoes (Adebote et al., 2006; *Corresponding author. E-mail: jideafo77@gmail.com or jideafo77@yahoo.com. Tel: 234(0)8035959391.