Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 100-110 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 101 eggs in or near water and the larvae commonly known as wigglers hatch and live in water feeding on organic matter and microorganisms. The pupal stage also aquatic is a transitional phase before the emergence of the adult mosquito which is terrestrial and capable of flight. The specific habitat requirements of mosquitoes vary by species, but generally, they need still or slow-moving water bodies for egg-laying and larval development. Factors such as water temperature, pH levels, turbidity, and the presence of organic matter can significantly affect the suitability of these habitats. For example, Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of malaria, prefer clean, sunlit water bodies, whereas Culex mosquitoes, which can transmit the West Nile virus, thrive in more polluted waters (Alkhayat et al., 2020; Hawaria et al., 2020). Various ecological variables, such as water depth, pH levels, and water surface area, significantly influence the types and distribution of mosquito larvae (Table 1). Studies indicate that environmental factors play a crucial role in mosquito oviposition preferences and larval densities, suggesting that managing these habitats can effectively control diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Table 1 The key physicochemical parameters associated with presences of mosquito larvae in Qatar (Adopted from Alkhayat et al., 2020) Mosquito species Ecological variables Odd Ratio (95% CI) P-value An. stephensi Vegetation 0.099 (0.034–0.282) 0 Shade 4.84 (1.74–13.50) 0.002 Water depth (cm) 0.986 (0.972–1.01) 0.006 Habitat surface (m²) 1.26 (1.12–1.44) 0 Cx. pipiens Turbidity 4.92 (1.50–16.08) 0.008 Vegetation 0.029 (0.007–0.12) 0.04 pH 2.49 (1.04–5.97) 0.029 Habitat surface (m²) 0.422 (0.194–0.966) 0.009 Cx. quinquefasciatus DO(mg/l) 0.552 (0.353–0.861) 0 Water temperature °C 0.802 (0.722–0.890) 0.022 Salinity‰ 0.871 (0.773–0.979) 0.023 Habitat surface (m²) 1.175 (1.023–1.351) 0.023 Table 1 from Alkhayat et al. (2020) details the relationships between three mosquito species (Anopheles, Culex, and Culex quinquefasciatus) and their ecological variables. The study uses multivariable logistic regression analysis to reveal the likelihood of each species' occurrence under different ecological conditions and their statistical significance. The results indicate that different mosquito species have varying preferences for environmental factors such as vegetation, water depth, and pH, which are crucial for understanding mosquito habitat requirements and developing vector control strategies. 2.2 Key environmental factors influencing mosquito populations Several environmental factors play a critical role in shaping mosquito populations and their habitats. These factors include: 1. Water Quality and Availability: The presence of water bodies is essential for mosquito breeding. Studies have shown that irrigation and other agricultural practices can create new aquatic habitats thereby increasing mosquito populations. For example the development of irrigation schemes in Southwest Ethiopia has led to a higher diversity and abundance of Anopheles mosquito larvae in irrigated areas compared to non-irrigated areas (Hawaria et al., 2020).
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