New classification for the composite genus Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae: Aedini), elevation of subgenus Ochlerotatus to generic rank, reclassification of the other subgenera, and notes on certain subgenera and species.

The composite genus Aedes is divided into 2 genera, Aedes and Ochlerotatus, on the basis of consistent primary characters of the female and male genitalia. Ochlerotatus is separated into 2 sections. Additional supplemental features of the female and male genitalia, 4th-stage larvae, and pupae are provided for the separation of the genera and sections as well as a discussion of exceptions and comparisons. This classification is based on a morphological examination of specimens of over 65% of the currently recognized species and all subgenera previously included in Aedes and representative material of all subgenera and genera of tribe Aedini. Published literature was examined and evaluated. All currently recognized subgenera are assigned to the appropriate genus. The proposed new generic classification provides better defined genera and a more natural arrangement of included taxa. Armigerini is formally recognized as a synonym, in part, of Aedini.

Restoration of Ayurakitia to generic rank in tribe Aedini and a revised definition of the genus.

Ayurakitia, previously treated as a subgenus of genus Aedes, is restored as a genus in tribe Aedini of family Culicidae. Rationale for this action is discussed. The genus includes 2 species (griffithi and peytoni) and has been reported from Southeast Asia. The most distinctive features of the genus are listed. A revised and expanded definition of the genus and illustrations of the female and male genitalia, pupa, and 4th-stage larva of the type species are provided.

Synonymy of subgenus Sinoaedes of genus Aedes with subgenus Mattinglyia of genus Heizmannia.

The subgenus Sinoaedes is transferred from the genus Aedes and placed in synonymy with the subgenus Mattinglyia of the genus Heizmannia. The haplotype of Sinoaedes, Aedes occidentayunnanus, is transferred to the subgenus Mattinglyia of the genus Heizmannia and the spelling of the specific name is corrected to agree in gender with Heizmannia. Rationale for these actions is provided.

Assignment of two North American species of Aedes to subgenus Rusticoidus.

Aedes bicristatus and Aedes provocans are transferred to subgenus Rusticoidus from subgenus Ochlerotatus. Primary morphologic features of Rusticoidus are provided for separating this subgenus from all other subgenera of genus Aedes.

Separation of trap-collected adults of Anopheles atropos from species of the quadrimaculatus complex.

The presence of a moderate- to large-sized patch of dark scales on the anterior surface of the fore coxa of Anopheles atropos can be used to separate this species from species of the Quadrimaculatus Complex collected in coastal areas of the United States. Identification of specimens is possible even if they have been collected in traps and are rubbed and faded.

Morphological abnormalities in species of the quadrimaculatus complex of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae).

This report provides results of the first detailed examination of morphological abnormalities occurring in adults, pupae, and 4th-instar larvae of a sibling species complex within the family Culicidae. Aberrant and/or anomalous setae or structures are reported, along with their frequency of occurrence, for the 5 sibling species (Anopheles diluvialis, Anopheles inundatus, Anopheles maverlius, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Anopheles smaragdinus) of the Quadrimaculatus Complex of Anopheles. A total of 21,684 specimens were examined. In the pupal stage, the presence of seta 11-II was the most common anomaly, whereas in the 4th-instar larva, branching of seta 2-C occurred most frequently. Abnormalities in the male genitalia usually involved the claspette or tergum IX. Other abnormalities in females, male genitalia, pupae, and 4th-instar larvae occurred infrequently.

The dorsal apotome of pupae and fourth-instar larvae of Culicidae (Diptera), a structure of phylogenetic significance.

The development of the pupal dorsal apotome was examined and compared in representatives of the families Culicidae, Chaoboridae, Corethrellidae, and Dixidae. Illustrations of the pupal dorsal apotome for 73 species, in 25 genera, are provided to show the differences and similarities between taxa. The 4th-instar larval dorsal apotome is compared and illustrated for the 3 subfamilies of Culicidae. The phylogenetic significance of the dorsal apotome of the pupae and 4th-instar larvae is discussed.

Separation of fourth-instar larvae of Culex nigripalpus from Culex salinarius in Florida using the spiracular apodeme.

The spiracular apodeme of the 4th-instar larvae of Culex nigripalpus and Culex salinarius is described and illustrated. The development of this structure provides an additional character for separating these 2 species.

Analysis of the Anopheles (Anopheles) quadrimaculatus complex of sibling species (Diptera: Culicidae) using morphological, cytological, molecular, genetic, biochemical, and ecological techniques in an integrated approach.

The Anopheles quadrimaculatus complex of 5 cryptic species (i.e., An. diluvialis Reinert, new species; An. inundatus Reinert, new species; An. maverlius Reinert, new species; An. quadrimaculatus Say; An. smaragdinus Reinert, new species) is analyzed using multiple techniques, including morphological, cytological, molecular, genetic, biochemical, and ecological procedures. All life stages (egg, 4th-instar larva, pupa, and female and male adults) are described using morphological features, and pertinent stages or structures are illustrated. A neotype for An. quadrimaculatus is designated, and the synonymy of An. annulimanus Van der Wulp is confirmed. Several new morphological features are described. New and summarized data from published literature on hybridization, cytological, electrophoretic, molecular, and cuticular hydrocarbon studies are included. Immature and adult bionomics are given. The geographic distribution for each species is listed and shown on maps. Procedures for collecting, processing, and rearing specimens are described. Keys using morphological characters are included for the eggs, 4th-instar larvae, pupae, adult females, and male genitalia. Also, a biochemical key for the 5 species is included. Color and pattern variations of larvae and pupae are discussed.

Analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbons among species of the Anopheles quadrimaculatus complex (Diptera: Culicidae).

Cuticular hydrocarbons were extracted from females of 5 species of the Anopheles quadrimaculatus complex and studied by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed by multivariate techniques to determine the degree of divergence in hydrocarbon patterns and to develop models that allow the discrimination of these species. Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, Anopheles smaragdinus Reinert, and Anopheles maverlius Reinert could be separated at 100% from each other and from Anopheles diluvialis Reinert and Anopheles inundatus Reinert; however, separation of An. diluvialis from An. inundatus was 80% using a 2-way model.

Bibliography of Anopheles quadrimaculatus say sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae).

An extensive list of more than 1,900 citations referring to Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say sensu lato is provided. References of a synonym, Anopheles annulimanus Van der Wulp, are also included.