Mapping the distribution of across Benin highlights a sharp contrast of susceptibility to insecticides and infection rate to between southern and northern populations.

Malaria remains an important public health issue in Benin, with and being the predominant vectors. This study was designed to generate information on distribution, molecular speciation, infection rate and insecticide susceptibility status across Benin. Mosquito samples were collected from December 2014 to January 2016 in 46 localities in Benin. These samples were mapped and collected were speciated to the molecular level. infection rate was determined using a Taqman assay and susceptibility to insecticides was assessed using the WHO guidelines. The genotyping of the L119F- Gste2 mutation was also carried out.    was found in 8 out of the 46 localities surveyed with a high presence in Tanongou (wet Sudanese ecological zone), Kpome, Doukonta and Pahou (sub-equatorial ecological zone). Molecular identifications revealed that only was present in southern Benin, whereas in Tanongou (northern Benin) and were found in sympatry at proportions of 77.7% and 22.3% respectively. infection rate of was higher in southern Benin at a range of 13 to 18% compared to 5.6% recorded in Tanongou. High DDT (8±0.5%) and permethrin (11±0.5%) resistance were observed in Doukonta, Kpome and Pahou, contrasting with relatively low resistance profiles: mortality-DDT=90±3.18% and mortality-permethrin=100% in Tanongou. Genotyping analysis revealed  high frequency  of the resistant 119F allele in the South (Kpome and Doukonta) compared to the North (Tanongou).  The high presence of   in the South compared to the North  could be due to favorable environmental and climatic conditions found in both regions. A significant infection rate was recorded across the country. A high resistance profile was recorded in the southern Benin; this raises the need for further investigations on resistance selection factors.