[Seasonal variations of female aggressiveness and population dynamics of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 in Abidjan (Republic of Côte d'Ivoire)].
Seasonal variations of Culex quinquefasciatus aggressiveness were studied in Abidjan where this mosquito is very harmful. Abidjan is crossed from East to West by the Ebrié lagoon, which is a vast expanse of brackish water (about 566 km2). In the North of this expanse of water lay continental plateaux and in the South lay low-plateaux. The city is composed of 10 districts, most of which are situated on the continental plateaux. Culex quinquefasciatus adult populations were caught monthly in 1989 on human bait traps in Abidjan 10 districts, one study place was located in each district. Captures took place outside the houses, in the dusk and during the first part of night, that is to say between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. In Abidjan, Culex quinquefasciatus population density varies considerably within the city area. In the areas where the species is numerous, a high percentage of it seems to be developing all year through from breeding places which are, in most cases, permanent. Besides, the aggressiveness seasonal cycle which was registered in the above mentioned areas is particularly diversified.
Zeze
G D
GD
Enseignant-Chercheur, Université Nationale de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan.
D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire; D003465:Culex / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012621:Seasons