Physicochemical characteristics of habitats in relation to density of container-breeding mosquitoes in Chandigarh, India

Eight sites located in different sectors of Chandigarh were surveyed for the presence and collection of mosquito larvae breeding in artificial/natural containers. Container index and larval density (Mean ±) of the mosquitoes breeding in containers lying at various sites was calculated. Sector 14 showed highest container index (12%). Larval percentage of Stegomyia albopicta (76.7%) was found highest among the container breeding mosquitoes The physicochemical parameters of container water such as pH, Total hardness, Conductivity, Salinity, Total dissolved solids, Turbidity and Dissolved oxygen were measured. The mosquito larval density revealed positive co-relationship with Salinity, Total dissolved solids, Conductivity and Dissolved oxygen whereas pH, Total hardness and Turbidity were negatively correlated with the larval density.