![]() ![]() ![]() Species of the Hyrcanus and Barbirostris groups of the Myzorhynchus series are present in Sri Lanka. Species of the Myzorhynchus series can be separated from species of the other series in Sri Lanka by following characteristics: (i) wing with dark and pale scales, upper boarder with two small pale spots (ii) antepronotum with scales (iii) maxillary palp with dark and erect scales (shaggy appearance) (iv) basal third of fore femur swollen (v) hind femur without a distal broad white band (vi) head scales always broad (vii) coxae often with scales and (viii) tarsi with pale bands. The Sri Lankan anophelines of this subgenus belong to three taxonomic series: the Myzorhynchus, Lophoscelomyia, and Anopheles series. ![]() Subgenus Anopheles: The following morphological features distinguish species of this subgenus from those of the subgenus Cellia: wings entirely dark-scaled or with three dark marks involving the costa and veins R–R 1. jeyporiensis, which were not included in previous keys for the anophelines of Sri Lanka, are included here. ![]() The illustrated key includes 23 Anopheles species which are currently known to occur in Sri Lanka. Steps that would assign various species to their respective series and species groups are included wherever essential. It has thus been made as simple and concise as possible, using a few recognized primary characteristics at each step. This key is meant as an aid to the rapid identification of anophelines in Sri Lanka. In case of doubt, it is essential to consult published literature with detailed descriptions of species. The key was validated on the basis of the feedback. Reported species were identified using the key for an 8-month period, and feedback was obtained from the field entomological teams. The key was distributed to the 17 field entomological surveillance teams in Mannar, Trincomalee, Ampara, Batticaloa, and Killinochchi Districts attached to the Tropical and Environmental Diseases and Health Associates (TEDHA) malaria elimination program and to some selected entomological teams in the Anti Malaria Campaign (AMC). Nomenclature for morphological characteristics follows Harbach and Knight ( 1980, 1982). Species nomenclature follows that proposed by Knight and Stone ( 1977), and abbreviations used in the text follow those used by Reinert ( 1975, 2001). Generally, two or more primary characteristics are used in each step in the key, with the intension of making them user-friendly for field taxonomists. Taxonomic characteristics were checked against Sri Lankan specimens by examining the persevered reference specimens archived at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The following publications were consulted during the construction of this key (Amarasinghe 1990 Christophers 1933 Colless 1957 Harrison 1980 Harrison and Scanlon 1975 Reid 1968 Rattanarithikul et al. The morphological characteristics used here were based on original observations and previous usage in the literature. The key can be used to initially allocate specimens to species group and then to species. The purpose of the key presented herein is to assist entomologists in identifying adult female Anopheles mosquitoes. Two illustrated keys to the Anopheles of Sri Lanka (Amarasinghe 1990 Carter 1950) are of limited value, as these were published more than 25 years ago and significant advances in our knowledge of the Anopheles mosquitoes have occurred in the intervening years. Twenty-two anopheline species were recorded in Sri Lanka by Amarasinghe ( 1990). The species list was revised by Carter ( 1950) and subsequently by Jayasekara and Chelliah ( 1981). Chalmers presented the results of investigations made in various parts of the island during the dry season, and also incorporated the records of previous observers. An attempt to remedy the matter was made by Dr. Previous records of Sri Lankan Anopheles were imperfect, and even the number and names of the species present were doubtful. Therefore, there is a need for continual revision and improvement of morphological keys for the identification of members of this important group of insects (Amarasinghe 1990). Traditional field taxonomy based on morphological characteristics remains the backbone of all vector control programs. The taxonomy of this group of mosquitoes is, therefore, of great importance, since vector incrimination is dependent upon accurate species identification. Anophelines are also known to be capable of transmitting dirofilarial nematodes and arboviruses of veterinary and medical importance (Ramachandra 1984). The genus Anopheles is the only mosquito taxon known to transmit human malarial protozoa. ![]()
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