Anopheles is a genus of mosquito first described and named by J. W. Meigen in 1818. About 460 species are recognised; while over 100 can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria in humans in endemic areas.
The Anopheles mosquito is known universally as the Malaria Mosquito species because it is considered the primary vector of the disease. Learn more about the symptoms of malaria. The Anopheles mosquito is also considered a transmitter of heartworm in dogs. This mosquito species seems to prefer mammals, including humans, for its blood meal.
The body of the adult Anopheles mosquito is dark brown to black in color and has 3 sections which are the head, thorax and abdomen. When resting, the stomach area of the Malaria Mosquito species points upward, rather than being even with the surrounding surface like most mosquitoes. The female Anopheles mosquito will mate several times in her short lifespan, producing eggs after she has found a blood meal. Although she only lives a few weeks to a month at most, she will have been able to produce thousands of eggs during that time.
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Virology & Mycology
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals