Morphological identification of mosquito species in Takur Adu'a and Yakasai, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract. Umar SA, Dhakar R, Usman HS, Sulaiman M, Sa’idu M, Yahaya MS, Shitu AS, Usman HM. 2024. Morphological identification of mosquito species in Takur Adu'a and Yakasai, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 14: 57-65. Mosquitoes, major vectors for various diseases, pose significant public health challenges worldwide. This study focuses on identifying and analyzing mosquito species in Takur Adu’a and Yakasai Areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria. Located in Northwestern Nigeria with Dutse as its capital, Jigawa State borders Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Yobe, and the Zinder Region in Niger, facilitating cross-border trade. The major tribes are Hausa, Fulani, and Kanuri. Mosquito collection was conducted early in the morning using a prepared environment and spraying method. Morphological identification of differentiating species of mosquito are by palps, proboscis, wing patterns, body shape, and resting positions. In Takur Adu'a and Yakasai, a total of 449 mosquitoes were collected, 278 from Takur Adu'a and 171 from Yakasai. Aedes species included 21 females and 29 males; Culex had 82 females and 52 males; Anopheles had 35 females and 24 males; Anopheles gambiae had 7 females and 4 males; and non A. gambiae had 8 females and 16 males. Culex mosquitoes were the most dominant, followed by Aedes and Anopheles, with 71.2% being fed, indicating significant feeding activity and potential disease transmission. In Yakasai, Aedes species included 17 females and 12 males, Culex had 42 females and 50 males, Anopheles had 12 females and 16 males, A. gambiae had 8 females and 6 males, and non A. gambiae had 5 females and 3 males. The study identify only morphospecies but A. gambiae and non A. gambiae are different morphospecies but in the same genus. Culex was the most prevalent species, with 57.9% fed, highlighting a substantial risk of disease transmission. The study also assessed respondents' knowledge of mosquito bite prevention, finding significant awareness levels, though gaps remained, and necessitating targeted educational campaigns. Identifying multiple mosquito genera and species emphasizes the value of molecular methods for mosquito identification. The findings reveal a dominant presence of Culex mosquitoes and a high percentage of fed mosquitoes, indicating significant disease transmission risks. Continuous education and effective vector control strategies are crucial to mitigate health risks in Jigawa State.