Bioecology of Culicidae (Diptera: Nematocera) in North Central Algeria

Abstract

The preimaginal bioecology of Culicidae was studied in north central Algeria for a year in 7 breeding sites, including 3 in Algiers, 3 in the Marais de Réghaia and 1 near the Sébaou river in Tizi-Ouzou. 13 Culicide species have been identified, including one belonging to Anophelinae and 12 to Culicinae. In the suburban Algiers region, the most abundant of which are Culiseta longiareolata, an ornithophile species with 57% of collections and Culex pipiens, antropophilic species with 39%. In the Sébaou river Culex pipiens largely dominates with 86%. The Réghaia marsh has the highest specific richness; the most abundant species are Culex impudicus with 44%, batracophile species and Culex pipiens with 28%. The spatiotemporal dynamics of Culex pipiens deposits, Culex. impudicus and Culiseta longiareolata, shows that the methods of impoundment of the sites and the variations of the physico-chemical factors of the water cause the eggs to hatch, give rhythm to the functioning of the sites and their productivity. The intensity of emergence is highest during the spring and fall season. In addition, the amplitude of the hibernation period and the speed of development of the generations are influenced by the vagaries of the sub-humid climate. This study contributes to the understanding of the bioecology of the aquatic stages of mosquitoes, a prerequisite for effective control.