Morphological variations in male genitalia of seven mosquito genera (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Disease-causing vector mosquitoes are prevailing throughout Sri Lanka, hence proper identification of these mosquitoes is crucial in implementing effective mosquito control approaches. The use of taxonomic keys based on external morphological characters of adults and larvae, is the common identification method. Due to the high diversity, abundance and presence of species complexes, proper identification using external morphology is challenging. The molecular approach is well-known but a costly method of mosquito identification in the country. This study was proposed to identify the variations in the male genital anatomy of mosquitoes from the Kandy District, Sri Lanka, to be used in mosquito identification. Monthly samplings were done in Peradeniya, Hantana, and Halgolla areas in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Male mosquitoes were identified using standard taxonomic keys. Male genitalia of these mosquito species were slide mounted. Photographs of the genital structures were taken. Male mosquitoes representing six genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Coquilletidia, Culex and Orthopodomyial) and 15 species were identified based on their external morphological features. Generic and species-specific features of the male genitalia of the studied mosquitoes were primarily seen in the gonocoxite, gonostylus, claspette, and phallosome. Species-specific features identified in the genitalia of mosquitoes are more reliable in accurately identifying male mosquitoes.