UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

A comprehensive survey was conducted to document the diversity, seasonal abundance, and distribution patterns of mosquito species in the Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, India. Standard entomological collection methods were employed across various seasons to gather adult mosquito specimens. The study identified a total of 21 distinct mosquito species belonging to five genera: Culex, Anopheles, Aedes, Mansonia, and Armigeres. Quantitative analysis revealed a total of 16,089 specimens collected, with abundance fluctuating significantly across seasons. The highest density was recorded during the summer season (n=5,412), followed by spring (n=4,516), winter (n=3,421), and autumn (n=2,740). Key species of medical importance were predominant. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most abundant species overall, with peak numbers in summer (n=725). Vectors of dengue and chikungunya, Aedes aegypti and Aedes vittatus, also showed high densities, especially during spring and summer. Among the anophelines, potential malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles subpictus were recorded in substantial numbers across all seasons. Diversity indices provided further insight into the community structure. The species richness (Taxa_S) remained constant at 21 across all seasons. The Shannon-Wiener index (H') values ranged between 2.757 (summer) and 2.822 (winter), indicating high diversity. Simpson’s index (1-D) values were consistently high (>0.92), suggesting low dominance and a relatively stable community. However, the Berger-Parker index confirmed an increase in the dominance of the most abundant species (Cx. quinquefasciatus) from winter (0.1231) to autumn (0.1372). This study provides crucial baseline data on the mosquito fauna of Thanjavur, highlighting the perennial presence of potent disease vectors and underscoring the need for targeted, season-specific vector control strategies to mitigate arboviral and malaria transmission risks in the region.