ARS | Publication request: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VENTRAL BRUSH AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO SEGMENT XOF FOURTH-INSTAR LARVAE IN TRIBE AEDINI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Submitted to: American Mosquito Control Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 31, 2001
Publication Date: March 1, 2002
Citation: REINERT, J.F. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VENTRAL BRUSH AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO SEGMENT XOF FOURTH-INSTAR LARVAE IN TRIBE AEDINI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE). AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION. 2002. v.18. p.16-25.

Interpretive Summary: A comparison of the different kinds of ventral brush, a structure on the underside of segment X of mosquito larvae, was completed. This study indicated that there are four major types and 18 subtypes of this structure in the tribe Aedini. The differences noted demonstrate that this structure provides another useful means of distinguishing major taxonomic groups within the tribe as well as providing phylogenetic information. The study was conducted at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida.

Technical Abstract: A comparative anatomical analysis of the ventral brush and its attachment to segment X of 4th-instar larvae was conducted for the genera and subgenera in tribe Aedini. Four types and 18 subtypes are recognized and examples of each are described and illustrated. A key distinguishing the types and subtypes is included. Some comments concerning the phylogenetic utility of the ventral brush are provided.