Ecological and physicochemical characteristics of tree holes as mosquito breeding habitats: A systematic review

Abstract

Mosquitoes are a significant group of vectors that transmit fatal human diseases. In India, the most common mosquito species are Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes albopictus. Aedes aegypti use both natural and human made artificial breeding habitats. Tree holes are one of the most neglected natural habitats, but they play a significant role in harbouring mosquito larvae, bacteria, and fungi. The interactions between physiochemical variables of the breeding water and organisms may cause larval mortality, a natural decline in larval abundance, or alterations in their growth. Parasitism, pathogenism, predation, and competition has a major role in the overall development of mosquito species. In an effective mosquito control programme, information on tree hole habitats and prevalent physicochemical, biotic, and abiotic factors must be investigated. This review focuses on the various species of mosquitoes that breed in tree holes, with an emphasis on understanding how ecological factors and physiochemical variables affect the abundance of mosquito larval populations in tree hole breeding habitats observed in India with special attention to Tamil Nadu for the possible development of strategies to control of vector populations and to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.