Biodiversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), vectors of important arboviral diseases at different altitudes in the central part of Iran

Risk assessment and vector control programs rely on a comprehensive knowledge of mosquito diversity in different areas. The present study aims to evaluate mosquito biodiversity in different areas of Sirjan County, Kerman Province, as one of the most important economic zones of Iran. Totally 4538 mosquitoes representing 19 species and four genera were collected and identified. Results showed that Culiseta longiareolata and Culex quinquefacsiatus were constant, Culex destricola, Culex pusillus, Culex pipiens and Culex laticinctus were common and the other captured species were accidental species in Sirjan County. In this study, Aedes vittatus was recorded for the first time in Kerman Province. The highest rate of richness was in Balvard (2034 meters above sea level) and the highest rate of evenness and Shannon-Wiener indices belong to Zeid Abad (1718 m.a.s.l.) districts. The lowest similarity rate was between Balvard (2034 m.a.s.l.) and Pariz (2322 m.a.s.l.), and the highest was between Homashahr (1984 m.a.s.l.) and Khajo-Shahr districts (1723 m.a.s.l.). In this study, an agricultural area showed the highest; conversely, the area neighboring a copper mine showed the lowest rate of biodiversity. Biotic and abiotic factors and human activities can affect mosquito biodiversity; therefore, mosquito surveillance and control programs should consider these factors.