Larval Development of Mosquitoes and pH of Different Reservoirs in the City of Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of water pH on the development of larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albimanus and Culex mosquitoes. Quarterly samplings from March 2012 until June 2013 were made. Mosquito larvae in three different zones of the city of Cartagena de Indias (Colombia) were collected and classified. The water where those were deposited, it was acidified with lemon juice and alkalized with sodium bicarbonate. The larvae were fed with poultry feed once a day during its development. The larvae of A. albimanus and Culex were better adapted in acidic media and those of A. aegypti in basic media. The ideal pH for larval growth was between 6.5 and 7.5.