Biology, bionomics and life-table studies of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka and estimating the vectorial potential using mathematical approximations

Anopheles stephensi was first recorded in the coastal area of Mannar District, Sri Lanka in  December 2016. Since then, this vector has been isolated from other districts in the Northern  and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. However, the bionomics aspects and vectorial potential of  this species present in the country has not been assessed. Therefore, this study evaluates the  biology, life table analysis, and other bionomic aspects Of An. stephensi identified locally. Further. this study estimates the vectorial potential Of locally recorded An. Stephensi using mathematical based approximation. The mating success of females observed was 80.7 ± 4.45%. The mean hatching period was 1.9 ± 0.03 days, with a hatching rate of 86.2 ± 0.77%. Overall, 8.0 ± 0.14 days were required  for larval development and 30.3 ± 0.14 h were spent in the pupal stage. The pupation success  was 94.5 ± 0.37%, and the majority were males (53.1 ± 0.73%). The mean fecundity was 106.5 ± 6.38 eggs and a gonotrophic cycle of 3.4 ± 0.06 days. The female survival rate was 43.2 ± 2.4%, with a mean biting frequency of 66.6 ± 3.5%. The average VC of adult An. stephensi was estimated to be 18.7. Therefore, this study warrants the health authorities and vector control programs to continue the entomological surveys, monitoring of vector densities, and implementing appropriate vector control interventions based on biology and bionomic information of vectors.

   Prabath Perera, Selva Selvanathan, Jayatilleke Bandaralage, Jen-Je Su

Parasitology International

Abstract :- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2022.102715

Search