Diversity of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Urban Areas of the Federal District, 2014-2018

Objective: To describe and analyze the diversity of mosquitoes in urban areas of the Federal District (DF), Brazil, the types of breeding sites, and the relationships between climatic variables and the abundance of the main vector species. Theoretical Framework: The potential distribution, endemicity, emergence, and re-emergence of pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes is regulated by fluctuations in potential vector Culicidae communities. Studies on the diversity of culicids are important to understand the ecological relationships between species and the environment they occupy. However, information on diversity patterns and the structure of the culicid fauna in the DF is still scarce and dispersed in the literature. Method: Mosquito larvae collected and identified in urban areas of the DF between January 2014 and December 2018 were evaluated for abundance, constancy, dispersal capacity, similarity of specific composition among Administrative Regions, and abundance by type of breeding site. The influence of macroclimatic factors was verified using the Spearman coefficient. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 12 species of mosquitoes, with higher abundance, constancy, and dispersion among Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Precipitation and relative humidity were the abiotic factors that most influenced total abundance, with similar results recorded in other studies. Research Implications: Understanding the structure of the Culicidae fauna, and in particular, the identification of local parameters that shape these communities are important for adequate approaches to control vector species. Originality/Value: Shows the benefits that disease-vectoring mosquito species find in the Federal District.