Entomology, typology and characterization of larval habitats of disease-vectors mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in the province of Sidi Slimane, Morocco

¹ Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Animal Ecology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco;
² Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Kenitra, Kenitra, Morocco;
³ Laboratory of Plant, Animal and Agro-industry Production, Botany, Biotechnology and Plant Protection Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco;
⁴ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Meknes, Meknes, Morocco;
⁵ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The province of Sidi Slimane, thanks to its location in the Gharb plain, a region prone to flooding, and its climate, provides a wide variety of habitats for the reproduction of mosquitoes, vectors of several diseases. Effective mosquito control is difficult without in-depth knowledge of the typology, characterization and distribution of the larval habitats that breed disease-carrying Culicidae. This study aims to survey eight habitats conducive to Culicidae species, among which we have identified Anopheles labranchiae, Culex pipiens, Culex hortensis, Culex laticinctus, Culex modestus, Culex brempti and Culex theileri. The Observations indicate that all the breeding sites studied are colonized by the Culex genus, while only half of the larval habitats are populated by the Anopheles genus. Furthermore, analysis of the data shows that 87% of mosquito larval habitats are temporary, while only 13% of breeding sites are permanent. This study aims to create an inventory of culicidae species, analyse the types of larval breeding sites and understand their characteristics in the province of Sidi Slimane. Eight sites were examined and monitored from January to December 2024.