Abstract
Mosquitoes exploit almost all types of aquatic habitats for breeding. Prevailing physicochemical
parameters in these habitats are important factors for survival and development of mosquito. Here, six
water samples from Atlantic Ocean, River, well, distilled (control), rain and borehole water were used to
culture
Anopheline
eggs collected from pure bred of Kisimu species. The development of eggs to 1
st
,
2
nd
, 3
rd
and 4
th
instars larval, pupal and adult stages were observed from day 1 to 6 using six replicates
of each water sample. The number of eggs laid (fecundity) by the emerged adults were estimated using
counting microscope. Level of development in emerged adults was determined using the wing size. The
analysis of the physicochemical parameters of the water samples was carried out in the Nigerian
Institute of Marine and Oceanography. The physicochemical characteristics were compared with the
rates of development and fecundity of the Anopheline species. Statistical analysis using ANOVA
indicates no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the hatchability of the eggs. However, the rates of larval
development to pupal stage and subsequent adult emergence showed a level of significant difference
(P < 0> 0.05). This
study provides information on mosquito ecology in relation to breeding habitat which may have bearing
on vector population and distribution as well as malaria transmission in a particular area.
