SALINITY AND MICROHABITAT PREFERENCES IN MOSQUITO LARVAE FROM SOUTHERN OMAN

Sixteen species of mosquitoes were collected in southern Oman. Of thes e, Aedomyia furfurea, Anopheles sergentii and three species of Aedes w ere found only in fresh water, while the other species were found also in brackish water. Culex sitiens was collected in salinities between 10 and 115%, with a peak abundance in 80% sea water. Culex tritaeniorh ynchus had a peak abundance in 30% sea water. Culex sinaiticus, An. co ustani and An. d'thali were all more abundant in fresh water, but coul d tolerate some salinity. The preferred type of microhabitat for each species is noted. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.