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Centre for Medical Entomology and Vector Management

Introduction

Mandate of the Division

Undertakes entomological investigation of outbreaks of vector-borne diseases and recommend appropriate vector control measures.
Undertake assessment for potential of vector borne diseases and their control in areas affected due to natural calamities like earthquake, flood, tsunami and cyclone.
Undertake Dengue, Zika and JE virus detection in mosquito vectors.
Undertake laboratory and field evaluation of pesticides formulations against vectors and pests of public health importance.
Undertake insecticide susceptibility tests in vectors and study cross resistance.
Maintain a reference collection museum of preserved specimens of arthropods of medical importance to facilitate identification of the collected material.
Maintain live cultures of arthropods of medical importance for teaching, supply and research purposes within and outside the institute.
Capacity building through training courses on vector-borne diseases and their control.
Maintain fish hatcheries of larvivorous fishes viz. Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata for supply to various agencies in the country for the control of larval breeding and to initiate fish culture.
Taxonomy, ecology and biology of vector arthropod species and dynamics of disease transmission.
Identification and supply of live and preserved specimens of arthropods of medical importance to various health institutions in the country for teaching and research purposes.
Entomological surveillance for vector of plague, scrub typhus and other tick borne diseases in the country.

Support to National Health Programmes

NCVBDC: Monitoring and evaluation of VBD programme implementation in different states; monitoring and evaluation of indoor insecticidal spray under taken for the control of VBD in different states.
Support Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): Provide support in entomological surveillance and control of VBD.
Supporting: Central International Health Division (CIHD), Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi for monitoring and evaluation of vector Surveillance at International Airports, Seaports and Land port during pre & post monsoon season.

Capacity Building programmes/Trainings/Workshop/Seminars/ organized by the centre:

The centre is conducting capacity building programmes on Vector Borne Diseases and Public Health Entomology in collaboration with WHO for the health personals, which are having concern to control vector borne diseases. The courses will focus on vectors of local as well as national importance covering the following aspects: –

Biology, ecology and application of modern tools in the management of vectors and vector borne diseases.
Entomological sampling methods and practices, vector surveillance procedures and methods.
Have in-depth knowledge of epidemiology, entomology and control measures for vector-borne diseases and its management.
Programme implementation and application of modern tools in the control and management of vectors of public health importance.
Insecticide and their using techniques against different insect of public health importance.
The Centre is also conducting museum orientation and mosquito identification sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as faculty members from colleges, academic institutions and other organizations at both National and International levels. These sessions include orientation to the National Reference Entomology Museum and practical exposure to the identification of medically important mosquito species.
Delivering specialized lectures and practical classes on Medical Entomology for Master of Public Health (MPH) students, with emphasis on vector bionomics, including the biology, behaviour, breeding habitats, feeding habits, life cycle, and other important ecological aspects of medically important vectors.
Organizing and conducting training programmes on entomological aspects for personnel from different States and Points of Entry (PoEs), with the objective of strengthening their knowledge and skills in entomological surveillance, vector identification, vector surveillance methodologies, and appropriate vector control measures.

Support Entomological Surveillance for International Health Regulations compliance at Points of Entry:

The centre is involved in the entomological surveillance at International Airports and Seaports in the pre and post-monsoon period. The findings are shared with the IH division of Directorate General of Health Services, Govt of India and the health offices at the points of entry for public health action.

As per International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, all the International Airports/Seaports and peripherals areas up to 400 metres should be made free from vectors.

Support state governments during outbreak situation

The Centre actively participates in the investigation of outbreaks and provides support to state governments and local authorities in assessing and managing the outbreak situation.

Patents Awarded

Patent on “NICD mosquito proof Cooler ’’ in July 2018
Patent awarded on “Biological Control” agent for mosquito larvae Chilodonella uncinate

Staff Details

Head of the Division and Officers

Dr. Arti Bahl

MBBS, MD

Additional Director & Head of the Centre

arti.bahl@gov.in

Dr. Sunita Patel

M.Sc., PhD

Assistant Research Officer

drsunitacdc@gmail.com

Ms. Shilpi Dhan

B.Sc., M.Sc.

Assistant Research Officer

shilpidhan@ncdc.gov.in

Other Staff in the Division

Dr. Abhay Kumar Sharma

M.Phil, PhD (Zoology-Entomology)

Technician

abhaykumar@ncdc.gov.in

Dr. Ved Parkash

M.Sc., PhD, FISCD

Technician

drved.parkash@ncdc.gov.in

Dr. Somya Sharma

M.Sc., PhD

Technician

somya1902@ncdc.gov.in

Ms. Priya Singh

M.Sc. (Biotech.), PG-DMLT

Technician

priyansingh43@ncdc.gov.in

Dr. Shweta Sharma

M.Phil, PhD (Zoology-Entomology)

Technician

drshweta.sharma@ncdc.gov.in

Mr. Ashok Kumar

B.Com (Hon)

Laboratory Assistant

ashoksanganu@gmail.com

Mr Laxminarayan Boyat

10th class

Laboratory Assistant

lnboyat@gmail.com

Mr. Anand Kumar

B.A.

Insect Collector

ak.kumar@ncdc.gov.in

Activities

S. No.	Divisional Activity	Description	Major Outcome
1	National Reference Entomology Museum	Conservation and display of medically important arthropods for education, reference and research purpose.	More than 1.5 lakh insect specimens and 13,590 mounted microslides (decades old) are housed in Entomology Museum.
2	Insectary Maintenance	Maintenance of laboratory colonies of mosquitoes and sandflies for research, training and vector control studies.	Continuous maintenance of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Phlebotomus spp. and Gambusia affinis.
3	Insecticide Testing Laboratory (ITL)	Laboratory and field evaluation of insecticide samples received from various National and International agencies against vectors of public health importance.	Monitor insecticide susceptibility status of vectors of public health importance during routine field visits and outbreak investigations.
4	Virus Antigen Detection (VAD) Laboratory	Molecular detection of arboviruses in mosquito vectors using one-step real-time PCR.	Early disease detection for timely reporting.
5	Rodent and Ectoparasite Surveillance	Monitor the prevalence and distribution of rodents and their ectoparasites to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases such as Scrub typhus and generate risk assessment.	Collection and identification of rodents, ticks, mites, fleas and lice, and diagnosis of rickettsial infection such as Scrub typhus using Weil-Felix test.
6	Entomological Outbreak Investigation / National Joint Outbreak Response Team	Conduct field investigations during outbreaks of vector-borne diseases by collecting vectors, identifying species, and providing technical support for disease surveillance.	Conducted for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Chandipura virus (CHPV), Trypanosoma lewisi, Zika and Malaria outbreaks in Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
7	Vector Surveillance at Points of Entry (PoE)	Routine entomological surveillance at International Airports, Seaports and Landports to monitor vectors of public health importance.	Completed pre/post-monsoon surveillance with recommendations shared with concerned authorities.
8	Supply of Live and Preserved Specimens	Provide vector specimens to National Institutes, Medical Colleges and Public Health Organizations for academic purposes.	Mosquito and sandfly specimens supplied to NCVBDC, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Medical institutions and other institutions.
9	Training and Capacity Building	Organize training programmes and workshops on medical entomology and vector surveillance.	Conducted trainings, orientation/sensitization classes, internships, and supported MPH teaching and technical training.
10	Research and Scientific Publications	Conduct research and scientific documentation on vector surveillance and management.	Published an entomology museum book, validated xenomonitoring methods and submitted manuscripts for publication.

Research

Mosquito Proof Desert Cooler (NICD Cooler)

Dengue and Chikungunya have become important outbreak prone vector borne diseases in the country. The mosquitoes transmitting these viral diseases are found breeding in domestic/peri-domestic containers including desert coolers.

The conventional desert coolers are being used in many parts of the country as a cooling device in houses, offices and industrial establishments during the summer months. The conventional desert coolers hold water for long period and they have become the potential breeding grounds for dangerous mosquitoes in absence of adequate control efforts.

The study carried out in Delhi area revealed that more than 50% of the breeding places of dengue vectors are contributed by these conventional coolers because of the following reasons:

The water tank of the conventional coolers is open type, which attracts mosquitoes for egg laying which results in prolific breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and transmit Dengue/Chikungunya viruses.
Weekly larviciding or cleaning is required to prevent breeding of mosquitoes inside the cooler, which is often not practiced.
Standing water in the cooler, when not in use, particularly during monsoon season, has high potential for the breeding of dengue vector mosquito and thus increases the risk of disease transmission.

In order to overcome the above problems, a mosquito proof desert cooler (NICD Cooler) has been designed in 2009.The NICD cooler have the following advantages over the conventional desert coolers:

Water tank of the NICD cooler is completely covered to prevent the entry of mosquitoes in to the water tank for egg laying. There is thus no risk of disease transmission due to coolers.
No weekly cleaning of the water tank is required.
No chemical larvicide is required to kill mosquito larvae.
It can be conveniently installed in high rise buildings.
Even standing water in the cooler, when not in use, has no risk of mosquito breeding.

The NICD cooler is a patented item and registered with National Research Development Corporation (A DSIR enterprise, Ministry of Science and Technology) and is being manufactured and marketed by the 13 agencies.

Mosquito proof desert cooler (NICD Cooler) designed in 2009

Publications

Research projects and Publication:

Pooja Prasad, Sunita Patel, Priya Singh, Ashna Bhasin, Arti Bahl, Ranjan Das. Advances in diagnosis of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Virus-Infected Aedes Mosquitoes: A review. International Journal of Entomology Research. 2026; 11(3): 90-93.
View Publication
Pooja Prasad, Priya Singh, Sunita Patel, Ashna Bhasin, Arti Bahl, Shaukat Kamal, Tanzin Dikid and Ranjan Das. Evidence of Dengue and Chikungunya virus Co-circulation in field collected Aedes populations across Delhi, India. South Asian Journal of Parasitology. 2026; 9(2): 326-336.
View Publication
Somya Sharma, Priya Singh, Shweta Sharma, Sunita Patel, Shilpi Dhan, P. Chandrasekaran, Abhay Kumar Sharma, Ved Parkash, Ashok Kumar, Laxmi Narayan Boyat, Anand Kumar, Arun Chauhan, Namita Soni, Siva Kamalakannan, Ajay Kumar Kumawat, Pooja Prasad, Iyyappan Velan, Aathira V. Dev, Aswini Kumar, Vetrivel Bhaskar, Ashna Bhasin, Diwakar Singh Dinesh, Tanzin Dikid, Arti Bahl and Ranjan Das. Integrated Approaches for Rearing of Vectors in Semi-Insectary Conditions. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2025; 14(7): 49-55.
View Publication
Ved Parkash, Sukhvir Singh, Abhay Kumar Sharma & Tanzin Dikid. A Book on “An inventory of mounted specimens of public health importance in Entomology Museum of National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi (India).” Akinik Publication; 2024, 1-114.
Amar Nath Pandey, Arun Chauhan, Ved Parkash & Sukhvir Singh. Horizontal distribution and larval habitat potential of invasive Aedes mosquitoes in South Delhi, India during 2023. Journal of Communicable Diseases. 2024; 56(1): 21-24.
Maneesha Sharma, Neeta Raj Sharma, Anu Bansal, Minhaj Ahmed Khan, Jyoti Guleria, Ayan Roy, Shweta Kaushik, Gursharan Singh. Global impact of mosquito-borne Alphaviruses on Humans: Their Spread and Rehabilitation. Journal of Communicable Diseases. 2023; 55(3): 93-110.
View Publication
Shweta Kaushik, Neeta Raj Sharma, Shashank Garg, Anu Bansal, TG Thomas. Larvicidal effects of Calotropis procera leaf extracts against Aedes aegypti, vector of Dengue fever. ENTOMON. 2022; 47(4): 415-420.
View Publication
Shweta Kaushik participated in an oral presentation on the topic “Larvicidal effects of Calotropis procera leaf extracts against Aedes aegypti” at the International Conference on Sustainability: Life on Earth 2021 (ICS-LOE 2021), held on 17-18 December 2021 at Lovely Professional University, Punjab.
Shweta Kaushik participated in a poster presentation on “Mosquito larvicidal properties of indigenous plants” at the International Conference on Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Water Management, held from 17-11-2017 to 18-11-2017 at Lovely Professional University, Punjab.
Sunita Patel, AK Sharma Shilpi Dhan, Priya Singh, et.al. 2017. Dengue Vector Surveillance in and around Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) – Goa, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 49 (3): 4-8
Sharma AK, KumarK, Thomas TG and Singh SK. 2018. Ecto-parasites of rodents collected from International seaport, Gujarat (India) with special reference to Plague and Scrub Typhus transmission. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 50(4): 7-13.
Shweta Kaushik, Neeta Raj Sharma, TG Thomas, Abhay Kumar Sharma, Anu Bansal. 2019. Indigenous Plants and their Larvicidal Potential against Indian Mosquito Vectors: A Review. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(2): 59-72.
Anu Bansal, Neeta Raj Sharma, Atul K Upadhyay, Shweta Kaushik, TG Thomas. 2019. Evaluation of Carvacrol and its Receptor (Ubiquinone-c-reductase) as a Potential Anti-malarial Drug. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51( 4): 16-20.
Sujeet K. Singh, S. K. Jain, S. N. Sharma and Sukhvir Singh. 2019. 70 Years of Indian Society for Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases towards public health in the country. Journal of Communicable Diseases,51 (1):29-33.
Rina Kumawat, T.G. Thomas, Sujeet Kumar Singh et al. 2019. Entomological Survey during Zika Virus Infection in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(1):12-17.
S N Sharma, Rina Kumawat, Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2019. Kyasanur Forest Disease: Vector Surveillance and its Control. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(3): 55-61.
S N Sharma, Ram Singh, Rina Kumawat, Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2019. Scrub Typhus: Vector Surveillance and its Control. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(3): 55-61.
S N Sharma, Ram Singh, Rina Kumawat, Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2019. Rodents as Public Health pests: Identification, Surveillance & its Management. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(3): 55-61.
Sweta Bhan, Pankaj U Ramteke, Amarpal Singh, Rina Kumawat and Abhay K Sharma. 2019. Entomological surveillance of Dengue vectors in Bareilly District of Uttar Pradesh, India. (Abstract No.-PP:15). Proceedings of the XIII Annual Conference of Indian Society for Malaria and other Communicable Diseases (29th November 2019 to 1st December 2019).
Shweta Kaushik, Neeta Raj Sharma, T.G. Thomas, Abhay Kumar and Anu Bansal. 2019. Indigenous plants and their Larvicidal potential against Indian Mosquito Vectors: A Review. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(2): 59-72.
Anu Bansal, Neeta Raj Sharma, Atul K Upadhyay, Shweta Kaushik and T.G. Thomas. 2019. Evaluation of Carvacrol and its receptor (Ubiquinone-c-reductase) as a potential Anti-Malarial Drug. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 51(4): 16-20.
S.N.Sharma and Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2020. Challenges and Threats due to deadly Corona virus in India and dealing with social vaccine (distancing) – the only vaccine. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(1): 7-13.
Sujeet K. Singh, S. K. Jain and S. N. Sharma. 2020. Prevention and Control of Covid-19 in Indian Perspective. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 5(1): 32-38.
S. N. Sharma, Ram Singh, Rina Kumawat and Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2020. Guidelines for Vector Surveillance and its Control at International airports and ports in India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(1): 38-60.
Sujeet K.Singh, S.K. Jain and S.N. Sharma. 2020. Situational Analysis and Trend of Covid-19 in India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(2): 38-45.
AMKM Rao, ND Kanchana, SN Sharma. 2020. Sampling Model on Surveillance of COVID-19 virus among Human Populations. Journal of Communicable Diseases,52(2): 12-1
Kamal, Ramesh Chandra, KK Mitra and SN Sharma. 2020. An investigation into Outbreak of Malaria in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(2): 1-11.
Rajendran R, Sheela Devi D, Anusree SB, Regu K, S N Sharma. 2020. Coronaviruses: The Most Dangerous Pathogen of Present Era. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(4): 17-28.
S.N. Sharma, Ram Singh, Rina Kumawat and Sujeet Kumar Singh. 2020. Vectors of CCHF: Prevention and its control. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 53(1): 22-26.
Ved Prakash; Sunita Patel; Sweta Bhan; TG Thomas J. 2020. Vector Surveillance for Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika Virus and Yellow Fever at Three Blocks of Pakud Districts of Jharkhand, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52 (4): 1-4.
Amarpal Singh Bhadauriya, Pankaj U Ramteke, Abhay K Sharma, R.K Meena, Rina Kumawat, Sweta Bhan, Lalthazuali, Ram Singh and Arun Chouhan. 2020. Entomological Investigations of an outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in three districts of Chhattisgarh, India in the year 2017. International Journal of Advanced Research, 8(2): 161-171.
Amarpal Singh Bhadauriya, Shilpi Dhan, Pankaj U Ramteke, Sweta Bhan, Lalthazuali, Rina Kumawat, Ram Singh, Arun Chauhan. 2020. Entomological Survey for Aedes Species at Deendayal Seaport, Kandla, Gujarat India during Pre-Monsoon Period, 2018. Journal of Communicable Diseases,52(4): 35-38.
Sujeet K. Singh, S. K. Jain, S. N. Sharma and Sukhvir Singh. 2019. 70 Years of Indian Society for Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases towards public health in the country. Journal of Communicable Diseases,51 (1):29-33.
Sweta Bhan, Lalthazuali, Abhay K Sharma, T.G. Thomas and Ram Singh. 2020. Entomological assessment of malaria outbreak in Bareilly and Budaun districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 7(5): 53-59.
Lalthazuali, Sweta Bhan, T. G. Thomas and Ram Singh. 2020. Post flood vector borne disease surveillance: An experience from Malappuram district of Kerala, India in 2018. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 7(5): 01-06.
Lalthazuali, Abhay Kumar Sharma, TG Thomas, Sweta Bhan, Amarpal Singh Bhadauriya, Pankaj U Ramteke, Rina Kumawat, Ram Singh. 2020. Entomological Survey of Vectors of Scrub Typhus in Haulawng, Lunglei district, Mizoram, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(2): 69-73
Lalthazuali and Abhay Kumar Sharma. 2020. Entomological Survey for Vectors during Scrub Typhus outbreak in Haulawng, Lunglei district, Mizoram, India.(Abstract No.-PP:16). Proceedings of the XIII Annual Conference of Indian Society for Malaria and other Communicable Diseases (29th November 2019 to 1st December 2019).
Sunita Patel, Ram Singh, Sujeet Kumar Singh et.al. 2020. A study on the influence of climatic factors on the prefential breeding places of Aedes, the Dengue vector, in Delhi, India. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 7(4): 95-104.
VedParkash, Sunita Patel, Sweta Bhan, TG Thomas. 2020. Vector Surveillance for Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika Virus and Yellow Fever at Three Blocks of Pakur Districts of Jharkhand, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 52(4): 77-80.
S.N.Sharma, B.R. Mane, Mahendra Sonar, Sanket Kulkarni , Raishuddin, Rina Kumawat, Ram Singh ,S.K. Singh. 2021. Entomological Survey for CCHF Vectors in Palghar District of Maharashtra. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 53(1): 10-14.
Kaushal K, Dhuria M, Mariam W, Jain S K, Singh S, Garg S, Chauhan A. Experience of setting up of Control room for COVID-19 at NCDC, New Delhi. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Vol 10, No. 3, March 2021, pp. 1082-1085
Sharma SN, Kamalakannan S, Sharma AK and Chandrasekaran P. NCDC assists Uttarakhand Government in preparedness against Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) at Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, April 2021. NCDC Newsletter. 2021; 10(2): 10-11.
SN Sharma, Rina Kumawat, SK Singh. 2022. Entomological Sampling Strategy, Sampling Tools and Analytical Techniques with regard to Vector Borne Diseases: Indian Perspective. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 54(1): 117-123.
SN Sharma, Rina Kumawat, SK Singh. 2022. Mass Gathering and Population Movement in India: Possible Risk of Vector–Borne Diseases. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 54(2): 49-54

Technical Guidelines

	Wattal, B.L. and Kalra, N.L. 1967. Regionwise pictorial Keys to the female Indian anopheles. Bull Nat Soc Ind Mal Mosq Borne Dis. 1967. 9: 85 – 138	Link
	Das, B. P., Rajagopal, R., & Akiyama, J. Pictorial key to the species of Indian Anopheline mosquitoes. Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology, (1990), 2, 131–162.	Link
	Das, B. P., & Kaul, S. M. Pictorial key to the common Indian species of Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquitoes. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 1998. 30(2), 117–123.	Link
	Sharma, S. N., Ram Singh, Rina Kumawat, & Sujeet Kumar Singh. Guidelines for Vector Surveillance and its Control at International Airports and Ports in India. Journal of Communicable Diseases, 2020. 52(1), 38–60.	Link
	Chandipura Virus (CHPV). CD Alert, National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India, September 2024.	Link

Units within the Centre

Unit 1: Insecticide Testing Laboratory

Laboratory and field evaluation of insecticide samples received from various National and International agencies against vectors of public health importance.
Evaluation of newer formulations of insecticides
Monitoring of susceptibility status of vector species of arthropods of medical importance.

Evaluation of insecticide samples in the Insecticide Testing Laboratory

Unit 2: Virus Antigen Detection Laboratory

The Virus Antigen Detection (VAD) Laboratory, under the Centre for Medical Entomology & Vector Management (CME&VM), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is a specialized molecular laboratory equipped for the detection of Dengue virus (DENV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) in mosquito vectors using one-step real-time RT-PCR. The laboratory supports vector-borne disease surveillance through the early detection of arboviral circulation, enabling timely reporting, outbreak preparedness, and evidence-based vector control measures. Laboratory findings are communicated to the concerned health authorities to strengthen surveillance and rapid response activities. The laboratory also contributes to outbreak investigations, technical training, and collaborative research in molecular entomology.

Objectives: Molecular screening of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus in mosquitoes.

Functions and Workflow

Receives mosquito specimens collected through routine entomological surveillance, outbreak investigations.
Performs taxonomic identification, pooling, and standardized processing of mosquito samples.
Extracts viral RNA using validated nucleic acid extraction protocols.
Detects viral RNA by one-step real-time RT-PCR.
Maintains analytical quality through the inclusion of positive, negative controls.
Generates laboratory reports to support early warning reporting, outbreak investigations.
Supports laboratory technical training, and research in molecular entomology.
Collaborates with national and state public health agencies to strengthen integrated vector-borne disease surveillance.

Future Scope:To establish wide range of pathogen testing facility in vector samples at VAD lab, CME&VM, NCDC Delhi.

Processing of mosquito pools for Virus antigen detection in the VAD Laboratory

Unit 3: National Reference Entomological Museum

More than 1.5 lakh insect specimens (decades old) are housed in Entomology Museum at the Centre for Medical Entomology and Vector Management, National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC Delhi. The Entomological Museum serves as an essential reference for entomologists, researchers and public health professionals. A total of 587 (2023-2024), 685 (2024-2025) & 1254 (2025-2026) national & International visitors came to Entomology Museum. The collections show the vectors for critical diseases such as Malaria, Filaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, Japanese encephalitis and Kala-azar. The collection delves into the origin of specimens, their genetic diversity and the morphological changes observed over time. This Entomological Museum highlights India’s rich biodiversity and is a vital tool for the control of mosquito-borne disease. Furthermore, it shows potential directions for future research in the field.
The collection contains many species of insects (Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Odonata, Hemiptera & Orthoptera) and few arachnids. The Entomology Museum has a prestigious history dated back to 1909 and currently houses over 1,08,757 insect specimens (89,464 Mosquitoes belonging to 31 genera and 539 species). Besides these, there are 19,293 entomological specimens, other than mosquitoes. The oldest specimen, Simulium indicum is collected from United Kingdom in 1902, and the oldest collection from India is of malaria vector Anopheles culcifacies collected in 1905 from Karnal, Haryana State. Collections also include Anopheles sundaicus (Car Nicobar, India in 2005), Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles subpictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti (Alwar & Jaipur, India in 2017), Aedes aegypti (Ahmedabad, India in 2017). Details of specimens “An inventgory of Entomological specimens housed in the museum at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi, India” are published in Journal of Communicable Diseases, December 2005, Vol. 37 (supplement) No. 4.
In addition to these specimens, 13,590 mounted microslides are also preserved in Entomology Museum having various types of vectors and their body parts. Details of microslides “An inventory of mounted specimens of public Health Importance in “Entomology Museum” of National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi (India) are published in the form of Book written by Dr. Ved Parkash, Dr. Sukhvir Singh, Dr. Abhay Kumar Sharma and Dr. Tanzin Dikid, 2024, Akinik Publication, 2024, 1-114.

National Reference Entomological Museum with more than 1.5 lakh insect specimens

Visit of National and International delegates

Unit 4: Insectary

Mosquito and Sandfly colonies

The centre is having well maintained facilty for the arthropods of medical importance and mosquito larvivorous fishes for different research activities.

These reared vector species are utilized for educational purposes, training and most importantly for various bioassays, adulticide evaluations, repellent assessments, and susceptibility testing against insecticides.

Mosquito colonies: Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti.
Sandfly colony: Phlebotomus argentipes.
Laboratory Culture of Gambusia affinis: Mosquito larvivorous fish, Gambusia affinis is established in the CME & VM for demonstration, research & training purpose.

Supply of Entomological specimens

The Division of Medical Entomology is enhancing medical education, training, and research by supplying verified entomological specimens to Medical Colleges, Universities, Research Institutions, Public Health Laboratories, and various academic organizations nationwide. These specimens serve multiple purposes, including undergraduate and postgraduate education, practical demonstrations, laboratory training, workshops, research initiatives, and capacity-building programs. A diverse array of medically significant arthropods is provided, including: Mosquitoes (in various life stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults), Ticks, Mites, Fleas, Sand flies, House flies, and other vectors and arthropods relevant to public health. Specimens are offered in various formats tailored to the needs of the requesting institution. We supply:

Live specimens for laboratory demonstrations, rearing, and training.
Slide-mounted specimens for in-depth morphological analysis and species identification.
Pinned specimens for taxonomic reference and educational purposes.
Specimens preserved in 70% alcohol for long-term storage, demonstration, and research activities.

Contact Us

Full Mailing Address:

Centre for Medical Entomology and Vector Management, National Centre for Disease Control, 22- Sham Nath Marg, Delhi – 110054

🌐 www.ncdc.mohfw.gov.in

📞 +91-11-23971272
+91-11-23971060

✉️ dirnicd@nic.in