Illustrated Key to the Female Anopheline Mosquitoes of Central America and Mexico.

摘要

Malaria continues to be a major health problem in Central America. In recent years the number of cases in the region has risen rather than declined. The key presented here was developed because available keys to the Central American anopheline mosquitoes are useful only in limited geographical areas, are not current or not effective. We hope to disprove G. B. Fairchild (personal communication, 1989) who claimed that, 'Keys are made by people who don't need them for those that can't use them.' His message should be partially heeded nonetheless. One should not assume definitive determinations in every case based on the few characters a key provides. To make accurate identifications mosquito taxonomists often must use keys, detailed descriptions of all life stages, and even make comparisons with type specimens. In addition, specimen condition frequently influences the reliability of determinations. Unrubbed, undamaged specimens should be used for identifications whenever possible because color and/or position of scales and other vestiture is relied upon extensively in the key. Reprints.