Redescription of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) goeldii (Diptera: Culicidae)

• Grant number: 09/01554-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2009
• End date: December 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
• Grantee: Denise Cristina Sant'Ana
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 05/53973-0 - Systematics of the Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae), AP.TEM

Abstract

The genus Anopheles includes species that are vectors of four parasites of the genus Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria. From the epidemiological point of view, this group of mosquitoes is important. Species of the subgenus Nyssorhynchus and Kerteszia have been incriminated as vectors of plasmodium in Brazil. The subgenus Nyssorhynchus has the largest number of species incriminated as primary or secondary vectors. Identification of the species of subgenus Nyssorhynchus is problematic. Consequently, this study aims to redescribe Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) goeldii that was in the synonymy of Anopheles nuneztovari until recently. Morphological characters of adults (male and female), fourth-instar larva, pupa and egg of Anopheles goeldii will be described and illustrated. These structures will be compared with those of Anopheles goeldii from Amapá and Anopheles nuneztovari. Lists of morphological characteristics to distinguish Anopheles goeldii from Anopheles nuneztovari will be elaborated. With a detailed morphological study of Anopheles goeldii, it is expected to define morphologically the species and to separate it from those that are similar. (AU)