Revision of Morphology from Mon, 2009-09-14 20:25

The discovery at the
turn of the nineteenth century that the pathogenic agents of malaria and yellow
fever were transmitted by mosquitoes immediately raised the prospect that these
diseases could be eliminated through mosquito destruction. Physicians,
sanitarians and entomologists quickly rose to the challenge and the study of
mosquito taxonomy and biology began in earnest. Since then, mosquito
identification has relied principally on differences in features of the
sclerotised portions of the body. Because of this, mosquito anatomy was dealt
with primarily by taxonomists, not morphologists. Little or no comparative work
was done either within the Culicidae or between the family and related Diptera,
and a proliferation of anatomical terminology and interpretations resulted. Consequently,
this led Harbach & Knight (1980) to produce a comprehensive glossary of
mosquito anatomy intended to promote stability of the anatomical terminology. Their
recommended terminology, including subsequent corrections and additions
(Harbach & Knight, 1982), is included here and listed in detail in the Anatomical Glossary under Resources.