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1 November 2003 Spiracular Indices in Anopheles stephensi: A Taxonomic Tool to Identify Ecological Variants
B. N. Nagpal, A. Srivastava, N. L. Kalra, S. K. Subbarao
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Abstract

Thoracic spiracle length and its index was examined for their ability to discriminate two ecological variants, type form and mysorensis, of Anopheles stephensi in the adult stage. The type form is exclusively domestic in all seasons, whereas the mysorensis variant occupies the outdoor niche during monsoon and postmonsoon seasons, with spillover into domestic sites during summer ecological stress periods. A statistically significant co-relation was established between the ridge count of the egg and two adult measurements, the thoracic spiracle length, and the spiracular index. In An. stephensi type form, average spiracle length was 0.11–0.12 mm and average spiracular index was 8.09–9.23, whereas in mysorensis, the corresponding figures were 0.09–0.10 mm and 6.82–7.60. These parameters showed consistent variations in population of mosquitoes that emerged during monsoon and summer season. The thoracic lengths in both variants remained constant, and only spiracular lengths showed fluctuations in three seasonal populations. These measures provide discrimination of adult variants—identifications that are essential in malaria control programs.

B. N. Nagpal, A. Srivastava, N. L. Kalra, and S. K. Subbarao "Spiracular Indices in Anopheles stephensi: A Taxonomic Tool to Identify Ecological Variants," Journal of Medical Entomology 40(6), 747-749, (1 November 2003). https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-2585-40.6.747
Received: 29 May 2002; Accepted: 1 February 2003; Published: 1 November 2003
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KEYWORDS
Anopheles stephensi type form
ecological variants
spiracular index
taxonomic tools
thoracic spiracle length
variant mysorensis
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