Systematics of Aedes Mosquito Project.

Biosystematic studies, which lead to the precise identification of disease vectors, are fundamental to any investigation of epidemiology and to the planning of control or eradication. These studies enable recognition of the vectors further study of the ecology and habits of the vectors and effective diffusion of information about vectorial capacity, resistance to insecticides, geographic distribution, etc. The Systematics of Aedes Mosquito Project SAMP was developed to perform biosystematic research on medically important mosquitoes to meet the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Commands requirements for accurate identification of actual or potential mosquito vectors of pathogens of man in Africa. The research was accomplished by 1 professional entomologist plus the principal investigator. A major portion of this grant period was devoted to two field-related projects first, rearing larvae, pupae, and adults from mosquito eggs and second, processing specimens that were collected during field trip to the Ivory Coast. For the most part, the mosquito eggs came from the Ivory Coast, but also from Uganda. Other tasks included dissecting genitalia, making slide preparations, identifying specimens, resolving taxonomic problems, preparing descriptions and illustrations, and writing manuscripts for publication.