The Fauna and Active Season of Mosquitoes in West of Fars Province, Southwest of Iran

Culicidae are highly important for public health as they can be vectors of diseases and are responsible for a wide spectrum of infections. Five collection sites were selected randomly with regards to existing facilities in Firouzabad County. For collecting larvae and total catch for adult mosquitoes, sampling was carried out by dipping technique for collecting larvae and total catch for adult mosquitoes. A total of 689 adults and 1313 larvae of Culicidae were collected, of which 3 genera and 6 species of Culicidae were recognized, namely, Anopheles superpictus, Anopheles d’thali, Culex sinaiticus, Culex theileri, Culex mimeticus, and Culiseta longiareolata. Cx. theileri was the most frequent Culicidae collected at Firouzabad, with a total of 613 and 247 larval and adult specimens, respectively. The highest number of mosquitoes was collected in June (31.1%) and the lowest in May (3.4%). The mean temperatures in June and May were 31.3˚C and 28.2˚C, respectively. We found some vectors that are of medical and veterinary importance; our results could be applied in vector control programs that aim at eradication or control of mosquitoes in this area.

Saprinus planiusculus (Motschulsky' 1849) (Coleoptera: Histeridae), a beetle species of forensic importance in Khuzetan Province, Iran

Background

Medico legal forensic entomology is the science and study of cadaveric arthropods related to criminal investigations. The study of beetles is particularly important in forensic cases. This can be important in determining the time of death and also obtain qualitative information about the location of the crime. The aim of this study was to introduce the Saprinus planiusculus on a rat carrion as a beetle species of forensic importance in Khuzestan province.

Methods

This study was carried out using a laboratory bred rat (Wistar rat) as a model for human decomposition. The rat was killed by contusion and placed in a location adjacent to the Karun River. Observations and collections of beetles were made daily during May to July 2015.

Results

Decomposition time for rat carrion lasted 38 days and S. planiusculus was seen in the fresh to post decay stages of body decomposition and the largest number of this species caught in the decay stage.

Conclusion

The species of beetle found in this case could be used in forensic investigations, particularly during the warm season in the future.