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Size and pattern of patches of light and dark colored scales help distinguish some Anopheles species, such as An. crucians (on left) |
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Adult, female Anopheles mosquitoes can be easily distinguished by their long palps, which bracket the proboscis |
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Female Anopheles punctipennis Note: Wide bars of orange colored scales on the leading edge of the wings. |
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Female Anopheles punctipennis |
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Female Anopheles perplexens Similar to Anopheles punctipennis, but with much narrower orange bands. |
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Female Anopheles crucians |
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Photo: L. Minter, 2008 |
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Photo: L. Minter, 2008 |
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Photo: L. Minter, 2008 |
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Photo: L. Minter, 2008 |
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Photo: L. Minter, 2008 |
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Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors of Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite .
At one time, this disease was endemic to the Eastern United States, including Kentucky. Anopheles mosquitoes are still found in Kentucky, being most common in the southwestern region of the state. However, the disease was eradicated from our area by the early 1950’s.
One notorious species complex, An. gambiae (Not found in the US), is responsible for millions of deaths throughout the world annually, due to Malaria. There are currently major humanitarian and scientific projects underway to eradicate this disease in Africa and other endemic regions.
Along with Yellow Fever this disease also killed thousands during the building of many canal systems. Click the link below to learn more about this disease.
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Eastern Malaria Mosquitoes: Anopheles spp. |
