Review of Myzorhynchella Section of the Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae)

• Grant number: 11/13322-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2011
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal researcher: Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
• Grantee: Sandra Sayuri Nagaki
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to continue the systematic studies of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae), a group that contains the largest number of vectors of human malaria parasites, focusing on the species of Myzorhynchella Section. Although these species are not considered vectors of parasites, we must study how to differentiate the species, thus providing appropriate conditions to evaluate which species are involved in the transmission of malaria in a given region. Currently there are few specialists in taxonomy and the problems arising from incorrect identification can lead to low effectiveness of efforts to control infectious agents carried by species of this group. There are few studies with species of Myzorhynchella Section, therefore their biology, ecology and geographic distribution are little known. Despite the few studies, the recent study carried out with species from this Section showed the need of more studies because data suggest the possibility of new species and species complexes, besides the lack of molecular data available for species of the section. Considering these facts, the objectives of this project are: to describe and illustrate all the species currently known in Myzorhynchella Section; characterize morphologically the adults and immature stages, developing identification keys for all stages of life and compare different populations using DNA sequences.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

NAGAKI, Sandra Sayuri. Taxonomic review and phylogeny of Myzorhynchella Section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae).. 2015. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR) São Paulo.