Species Composition, Seasonal Abundance, and Indoor Resting Behaviour of Anopheline Mosquitoes in Rural Communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the species composition and distribution of malaria vectors in two malaria endemic communities of Ezza North Local Government Area (LGA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria, using key entomological indicators: species composition, blood feeding behaviour and indoor resting density of Anopheles mosquitoes. Sample collection was conducted monthly from June to December 2023 using pyrethrum spray catch method in 40 randomly selected houses. Collected specimens were transported to the laboratory where they were sorted and identified using entomological keys. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level. A total of 785 female Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to seven (7) different species (Anopheles gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. hancocki, An. maculipalpis, An. rufipes, An. coustani and An. nili) were collected with Anopheles gambiae accounting for 86% of all collections (p < 0.05). Vector indoor resting density showed highest peak in June (6.25 and 3.8) in Ekwetekwe and Ugalaba, respectively. Gonotrophic stage analysis shows that 80.0% were blood-fed, 5.9% unfed, 4.1% half-gravid, and 10.1% gravid. These findings confirm An. gambiae s.l. as the primary malaria vector in Ezza North LGA. High endophagy and seasonal abundance indicate ongoing transmission risk, underscoring the need for strengthened vector surveillance and integrated control measures.