Abstract
Abstract— Libya, despite its arid climate, possesses diverse wetland ecosystems that provide critical habitats for various organisms, including mosquitoes. These ecosystems have the potential to serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can act as vectors for various diseases. The primary objective of this study was to identify mosquito species present in 27 wetland sites across Libya to assess the potential risk of vector-borne disease transmission. A preliminary survey was conducted to collect mosquito samples from 27 wetland sites across Libya. Standard entomological techniques were employed to capture and identify mosquito species. Three species of Aedes mosquitoes were identified: Aedes caspius, Aedes dorsalis, and Aedes detritus. Among these, Aedes detritus was the most abundant species, found in all surveyed locations. These findings highlight the potential for disease transmission, especially considering the known vector status of these species. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor mosquito populations in order to implement effective control measures. Further research is necessary to explore the ecological factors influencing mosquito distribution and abundance, as well as the potential for the introduction of invasive species such as; Aedes albopictus. Keywords— Mosquitoes, Vectors, Wetlands, Libya