Habitat Characterization of Culicine Mosquitoes in Two Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Mosquitoes are major vectors of disease, with their abundance influenced by ecological and environmental factors. This study assessed the habitat characterization and abundance of mosquito species in Awe and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Larvae were sampled monthly from July 2023 to June 2024 using standard dipping techniques, and physicochemical parameters of breeding sites were analyzed. A total of 2,158 mosquito larvae were collected, with culicines significantly (P < 0.001) accounting for 90.08% while anophelines accounted for 9.92% of the population. Among the emerged adult culicines, Culex quinquefasciatus (76.67%) was significantly (P < 0.001) more abundant followed by Anopheles gambiae (13.40%), while An. funestus had the lowest emergence rate at 1.97%. Puddle habitats (47.21%) supported the highest mosquito abundance, followed by rice fields (34.99%), while animal hoof prints (0.79%) had the least mosquito abundance. Therefore, habitat type significantly (P = 0.037) influenced mosquito abundance in both LGAs. The highest larval abundance was recorded at a 351–400 m (36.52%) gradient from human dwellings, but distance significantly (P = 0.625) influence larval abundance. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen exhibited varied correlations with mosquito abundance, with significant effects in some habitats. These findings highlight the need for targeted vector control strategies, particularly habitat modification and public health interventions, to reducemosquito proliferation and mitigate disease transmission risks in the study area.