Distribution and Abundance of \u3ci\u3eAnopheles spp.\u3c/i\u3e in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, South Texas

This study investigated the relationship between Anopheles abundance, collection sites and environmental variables in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, South Texas. In addition, species composition in the Lower Rio Grande Valley was determined in 2011. A total of 6772 female mosquitoes were identified to six genera and 27 species. The most prevalent genera collected were Culex (53.9%), Ochlerotatus (25.6%) and Aedes (13.6%). Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using resting boxes during summer 2012 at multiple locations along the Lower Rio Grande Valley. ArcGIS was used to identify land cover characteristics and nearest water sources at mosquito collection sites. Estero Llano Grande World Birding Center Weslaco, Texas had the highest abundance of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Urban areas, agricultural vegetation, and native vegetation were the most prevalent land covers and did not have a significant effect on Anopheles abundance