Question

A female Anopheles mosquito can be recognized by

• A. Proboscis and palpi that are long and more or less of equal length.
• B. Proboscis that are long and palpi which are short.
• C. Proboscis is short and palpi that are long.
• D. Both proboscis and palpi are short.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Proboscis and palpi that are long and more or less of equal length.

The male Anopheles mosquitoes do not feed on mammalian blood. They have a proboscis which they use to drink nectar from flowers. These proboscis are wider and feathery.
Female Anopheles mosquitoes have a proboscis which is a long thin tube for feeding and is relatively smooth and long. The palpi and the proboscis are more or less of equal length.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A.