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.