Bionomics of anopheline vectors in Zabid District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen.

The bionomics of anopheline vectors were analysed in randomly selected centres, representing fixed and spot-check stations. Three anopheline species were found. Anopheles arabiensis was the most prevalent species (84.2%) with a sporozoite rate of 0.7%, followed by A. culicifacies adenensis (14.9%) and A. rhodesiensis rupicolus (0.9%). Maximum indoor resting density was recorded during March, July and August. Positive sprayed sites for females were higher in bedrooms (40.4%) than animal sheds (26.9%). A total of 2560 anopheline larvae were collected of which 79.5% were A. arabiensis, 19.4% were A. culicifacies adenensis and 1.1% A. rhodesiensis rupicolus. A. arabiensis was assumed to be the most efficient malaria vector based on epidemiological evidence and the finding of natural sporozoite infected females.