The swamp-breeding mosquitos of Uganda: records of larvae and their habitats

Abstract

Some 246 species of mosquitos are known to occur in Uganda. Of these, 92 (37·4%) have been recorded as breeding in swamps, and the present paper brings together published data and the results of work on the collection and identification of larvae from habitats in a wide variety of types of swamp between 1955 and 1958. Notes on the occurrence and habitats of the larvae are given under each species.In the present work, only 58 species were found breeding, but these included six new swamp records. Only 26 species appear to breed exclusively in swamps. In addition to the species identified, larvae representing some 14 unrecognised and probably undescribed species were collected. The majority of the swampbreeding species are Culicines, the Anophelines comprising only 21·7 per cent.The swamp environment in Uganda, with respect to the breeding of mosquitos, is extremely varied. Some possible classifications of the many and various swamps found in the country are given. The distribution of certain species of mosquitos is more or less limited to certain types of swamp This is briefly discussed and examples are given. There is also a definite zonal distribution of some species within a swamp, e.g., Culex (Culex) grahami Theo., C. (C.) guiarti Blanch, and Ficalbia (Ficalbia) malfeyti Newst. occur only in peripheral zones. In general, the interior of the large swamps is unfavourable to the breeding of Anophelines, but Culicines are very abundant there.Breeding of mosquitos is profoundly affected when swamps are altered by human interference. In certain cases this has resulted in increased production of Anophelines, with the consequent aggravation of the malaria situation.It is concluded that, from the point of view of human disease, the swamps of Uganda (especially in their natural untouched state) are not as dangerous as previously thought.