Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehra Dun - 248 001, Uttarakhand, India.
*Corresponding author's: E-mail: jauharirk@hotmail.com
1Present address: Department of Zoology, D.B.S. (P.G.) Collage, Dehradun - 248 001.
During surveys of haematophagous (blood sucking) insects in the vicinity of 3 zones, namely, Zone I (Hill), Zone II (Submontane) and Zone III (Bhabar & Tarai) in district Dehradun between 2000–2004, 10 localities were visited. As many as 63 species of blood sucking insects belonging to 7 groups under 22 genera have been recorded. Of these, the mosquitoes shared highest number of species i.e., 36 species, followed by 11 species of Anoplura, 8 species of fleas and 4 species of louse flies (Pupipara) in succession. There were less number of sandflies, bedbugs and horse flies. Further, among mosquitoes, Anopheles was on the top and next to it there was Aedes and Culex in succession. Incrimination studies revealed malaria parasite infection in Anopheles fluviatilis and An. stephensi while some species of fleas were found to create nuisance to domestic livestock. Possible explanation has been provided with regard to more diversity of haematophagous insects in the Bhabar and Tarai zone.
