Insect Vector Biology: Mosquitoes

Culicidae

The family of insects that includes all species of mosquitoes.

Diptera

An order of insects that comprises flies, characterized by having a single pair of wings.

Aedes

A genus of mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue and Zika.

Anopheles

A genus of mosquitoes known for transmitting the malaria parasite.

Holometabolous development

A type of complete metamorphosis involving distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Oviposition

The process of laying eggs, specifically in mosquitoes after fertilization.

Gonotrophic cycle

The reproductive cycle of female mosquitoes, consisting of blood feeding, egg development, and egg laying.

Spermatheca

A specialized structure in female mosquitoes where sperm is stored after mating.

Autogenous mosquitoes

Mosquito species that can produce eggs without needing a blood meal.

Anautogenous mosquitoes

Mosquitoes that require a blood meal to produce eggs; most medically important mosquitoes are in this group.

Quiescence

A state where some mosquito eggs can survive dry conditions for months.

Diapause

A period of suspended development in insect life that allows them to survive adverse conditions.

Instars

The developmental stages of mosquito larvae, each separated by a molting process.

Vector competence

The ability of a mosquito to become infected with a virus and transmit it to a host.

Vectorial capacity

A measure of how effectively a mosquito population spreads disease, influenced by several ecological factors.

Extrinsic incubation period (EIP)

The time between a mosquito becoming infected and being capable of transmitting that virus to a new host.

Pathogen

An organism, such as a virus or bacteria, that can cause disease.

RNA interference (RNAi)

An innate immune mechanism used by mosquitoes to defend against viral infections.

E1-A226