Preliminary Study on The Biodiversity of Mosquitoes (Insecta: Diptera) from Meghalaya with A Checklist of Some Vector Borne Mosquito
Bankerdonbor Kharbisnop
*
National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control, NHM, Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793119, India and College of Science and Commerce, Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793121, India.
Kitbok Warshong
National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control, NHM, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793001, India.
Ibamelaker Thangkhiew
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Dawan Sara Jingbha Chyne
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Hainari Borgoyary
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Inrisha Maiong
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Ketisenla K. Jamir
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Laiabiang Rynjah
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Miti Jerang
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Shanti Siangshai
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Darikyrpang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi
Department of Zoology, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Boyce Road, India.
Leishangthem Sing
Regional Office for Health and Family Welfare (RoH&FW), Government of India, Shillong, India.
Juliana Lyngwa
Regional Office for Health and Family Welfare (RoH&FW), Government of India, Shillong, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the presence and distribution of mosquito species in Mawsiatkhnam, with a focus on medically significant genera and their potential implications for public health. Data analysis reveals a notable prevalence of Culex and Aedes species, both of which are key vectors for arboviral diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and filariasis. The adult mosquitoes were collected from the selected study sites by a hand catch method using a mouth aspirator tube in between the hours 7:00 to 9:00 pm both for indoor and outdoor. The ongoing risk of malaria is underscored by the identification of a diverse Anopheles population, with reports of malaria cases in the past decade. Conversely, the presence of Toxorhynchites, a genus known for its role in controlling mosquito populations, highlights a beneficial ecological factor. These findings emphasize the dual nature of the region’s mosquito ecology posing both a health risk due to vector-borne diseases and an ecological advantage through natural mosquito control mechanisms. This study underscores the importance of continued surveillance and vector management strategies to mitigate the impact of mosquito-borne diseases in the area.
Keywords: Mosquito, biodiversity, checklist, North East India, Meghalaya