Feeding behaviour of malaria vectors in association to weather conditions in Qua’an-Pan local government area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Understanding malaria vectors preferred feeding point will effectively go a long way in the management of malaria transmission. Hence, this research investigated mosquito species makeup and the feeding behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes in association with some weather factors in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Mosquitoes were sampled using Center for Disease Control light trap from dusk to dawn. The mosquitoes trapped were identified morphologically by using a standard entomological keys. A total of 1,528 specimens of Anopheles species were collected, comprising of five distinct species: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus, Anopheles coustani, Anopheles rufipes, and Anopheles pretoriensis. Among the five species identified, Anopheles gambiae most dominant 1,009 (66%) individuals followed by An. funestus 237 (15.5%) whereas An. pretoriensis was the least abundant 47 (3.1%). A notable significant difference (?2 = 195.875, df = 4, P = 0.0001) was observed in abundance between Anopheles species. Anopheles mosquitoes were found feeding throughout the night with its peak feeding time between 10:00pm and 11:00pm. Mosquitoes were trapped more indoor 954 (62.43%) than outdoor 574 (37.56%) and differences showed no significant variation (P>0.05). Relative humidity positively influenced the abundance of mosquitoes in both indoor and outdoor points while temperature had a negative effect on mosquitoes population in both points. The results of this study indicate the necessity for comprehensive education regarding sanitation, environmental health, and the proper use of insecticide treated mosquito bed nets in both indoor and outdoor points in order to minimize vector-human interactions in the study area.