Anopheles

Anopheles is a genus of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae. Some species are known to transmit malaria parasites (caused by a microorganism called Plasmodium). The genus comprises hundreds of species found across many regions of the world, but only a small number play a significant role in disease transmission.

Anopheles mosquitoes breed in water bodies where water accumulates. Females feed on blood, which they require for protein to develop eggs; males feed on sugary substances such as plant nectar.

Physical characteristics

Anopheles can be distinguished from other mosquitoes by several features. When resting, their bodies typically form an angle with the surface, unlike Culex mosquitoes whose bodies remain parallel. Additionally, the maxillary palps (mouth parts) are roughly as long as the feeding proboscis. Many species have wings marked with distinct black and white patches.

Life cycle

The life cycle begins when eggs are laid on the water surface. Eggs hatch into larvae that live in water, then develop into pupae, and finally emerge as flying adult mosquitoes. All early stages occur in water, so management of standing water is one of the approaches attempted to reduce populations.

Relationship to malaria

The Plasmodium parasite completes part of its life cycle within the Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected person, the parasite enters its digestive system and then migrates to the salivary glands; subsequently, the mosquito can transmit infection to another person when it feeds. For this reason, research and control of malaria depend heavily on understanding mosquito biology.