Illustrated Key to the Female Anopheles Mosquitoes of Thailiand

Basic studies on the mosquito fauna of Thailand were undertaken by the Department of Medical Entomology, United States Army Component-Southeast Asia Treaty Organization SEATO in 1961. At present, studies on the taxonomy, biology, distribution and disease relationships of the mosquitoes of the Kingdom are continuing with considerable emphasis on the malaria vectors of the genus Anopheles. As these studies progressed it became apparent that there was no single source to which entomologists, malariologists, and other public health workers could refer to for assistance in identifying female Anopheles mosquitoes captured in epidemiological studies. The earlier references did not adequately cover the species which we found in the country, and the newer publications on single species or species groups were too scattered to be useful. Thus, the present illustrated key grew out of a recognized need for a single reference source which would permit the identification of all of the Anopheles mosquitoes which we now recognize as occurring here. The preparation of the present key is part of a cooperative effort between this Department, The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the Smithsonian Institution. Related publications now in preparation include an annotated checklist of the Anopheles of Thailand, with notes on biology and distribution, and a full systematic treatment of the males, females and immature stages. The key has been made as simple as possible, consistent with the need for accuracy in identification. The morphological nomenclature used follows that of Belkin 1962 with minor modifications. All of the structures named in the key are illustrated in the figures on Plates I thru XIX. The illustrations, which add immeasurably to the utility of the key, are based on actual specimens collected in Thailand or adjacent areas.