The breeding requirements of three members of the Anopheles gambiae Giles complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in the endemic malaria area of Natal, South Africa

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Abstract
The breeding sites used by three species of the Anopheles gambiae Giles complex were investigated in northern Natal, South Africa. Those used by the two freshwater species, A. arabiensis Patton and A. quadriannulatus (Theobald) were similar, immature stages of both being collected from the same pool at five out of seven localities from which A. arabiensis was recorded. A. quadriannulatus was the most extensively distributed species of the complex and was found in association with A. arabiensis at only five of 49 localities. The difficulty in locating the breeding sites of A. arabiensis is a product of their low density, presumably as a result of the intra-domiciliary, residual insecticide spray programme. A. merus Dönitz larvae and pupae were recorded only in water with a salinity greater than 5 p.p.t. The pH, dissolved oxygen, pool size, turbidity, shade and association with vegetation of water bodies containing A. gambiae s.l. were also recorded and showed no difference between the three species. The importance of distinguishing between winter and summer breeding sites is discussed, as well as the need for entomological consultation prior to agricultural development in endemic malarious areas.

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