Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kurdistan Province, Western Iran

Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) have always been considered as the vector/s of viral and parasitic diseases. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey on the species composition, spatial distribution, and biodiversity indices of mosquitoes in Kurdistan Province, western Iran. Methods: This study was carried out in 10 counties of Kurdistan Province. The immature stages of mosquitoes were collected monthly from June to September. ArcGIS software was used to spatial analysis and create maps. Alpha diversity indices were calculated using the related formula. Results: Totally, 5831 larvae belonging to the family Culicidae were collected. Twelve species were identified including: Anopheles claviger, An. maculipennis s.l, An. superpictus s.l, Culiseta. longiareolata, Cs. subochrea, Culex hortensis, Cx. mimeticus, Cx. perexiguus, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. modestus and Cx. territans. Based on this analysis, the high-risk areas of the province are determined as Anopheles in the west, Culex in the north, and the Culiseta in the south of the province. Analyzing the Alpha biodiversity indices showed Baneh and Sarabad had the maximum and Bijar had the minimum mosquito biodiversity. Conclusion: The western counties of the province are regarded as the hotspots for anopheline mosquitos. Moreover, reporting of malaria cases in the past, bordering with Iraq and the high traffic of travelers have made these areas as potential foci for malaria transmission. So that, routine entomological inspections are proposed to detect any suspicious vector or case entrance.