The diversity of blood-sucking mosquitoes is high - 3,593 species are currently known worldwide [1], and these insects are involved in the transmission of different pathogens of birds and mammals. Due to a wide range of larval habitats mosquitoes are able to inhabit vast territories [2, 3, 4], however, knowledge on the habitat preferences of certain mosquito species is still lacking. This information is of great importance for vector control strategies [5] and for forecasting mosquito-borne diseases.
We collected 5392 mosquito larvae in 2021 March-October and 2022 April-June from 134 water bodies located throughout Lithuania. Physical and chemical parameters of water bodies (the size, bottom coverage, water temperature, pH, amount of NO2, and NO3 in water etc.) were measured. 25 mosquito species have been identified, the most abundant being Aedes cinereus, Ochlerotatus cantans, Oc. sticticus and Oc. cataphylla.
Here we evaluated mosquito species diversity, seasonality and the impact of investigated parameters on the larval abundance of certain mosquito species. Statistical analysis showed that the temporality of water bodies and the time of the year are among the most important parameters for the abundant development of some mosquito species. This research will help to understand the local mosquito distribution and will help to lay the groundwork for the renewal of Lithuanian mosquito fauna research.