Community structure of artificial container-breeding mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and co-occurrence patterns of dengue vectors in mid-western Nepal

Abstract

Background & objectives: Container-breeding mosquitoes, including vector species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are medically significant. This study assessed community structure, mutual interactions, and container sharing patterns of mosquito species to understand their community ecology in mid-western Nepal. Methods: Mosquito larvae were collected from artificial containers of different ecological regions of mid-western Nepal during the post-monsoon season of 2024 using dropper and dipper methods. Mosquito larvae were reared, dead larvae and adults were identified, and their community composition was assessed using Margalef’s index, the beta diversity index, Kendall’s coefficient of rank correlation (T), Yule’s coefficient of association (Q), and assessing co-occurrence patterns. Results: The larvae of a total 15 mosquito species, including vectors of dengue, lymphatic filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis, were collected from five types of containers. The mosquito community structure varied in different altitudinal gradients and container types. Altitude and container types had an effect on the larval abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Mosquito species, including Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus showed different patterns of association with each other through container sharing. Interpretation & conclusion: Artificial water-holding containers commonly found around household premises can serve as potential breeding habitats for mosquitoes, including vector species such as Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The adaptation of dengue vector mosquitoes to other mosquito species in different container types indicates their capacity to establish in different environmental conditions. The presence and adaptability of different vector mosquitoes from the Terai to the high mountain region increased the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in mid-western Nepal and indicate the urgency of mosquito control programs.