Author
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Reinert, John |
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Submitted to: American Entomological Institute
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2002 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Mosquitoes suck blood and transmit disease agents that cause sickness and death in animals and humans. Before efforts to control mosquitoes can be made, however, accurate identification of the species involved is required. This information, which is based on microscopic features of the external anatomy of the mosquito, is used to ensure that insecticides, biological control agents, and other interventions are applied in an effective and safe manner. ARS scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL are working continuously to develop new and improved techniques for mosquito identification. The information resulting from this research allows animal and public health specialists and pest/vector control personnel to identify mosquito species accurately and quickly, and to apply mosquito control measures in a safe and timely manner. Technical Abstract: A comparative, morphological analysis of the female genitalia of species of the genus Haemagogus Williston was conducted. Based on the analysis, the female genitalia of the genus are characterized, a key to the included subgenera (i.e., Conopostegus Dyar and Haemagogus) is given, and a comparison with other taxa is provided. The female genitalia of the two currently recognized subgenera are described. Treatment of the genital morphology of each subgenus includes a composite description, description of subcategories, detailed description and illustration of the type species, list of the species examined, list of published illustrations of species with their citations, and a discussion. The discussion section contains a list of the most distinctive features that characterize species of each subgenus, a comparison with other subgenera, and other pertinent information. |
