Revised morphological identification key to the larval anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) of Sri Lanka

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To revise morphological identification keys to the anophelines in Sri Lanka. METHOD: Samples were collected from selected entomological sites in different districts in the country. Stage III and IV larvae were identified under a light microscope with an objective (×10) using standard larval keys developed for Sri Lankan anophelines. Key larval characters were recorded for each species based on original observations and previous usage in literature. RESULTS: This manuscript describes an illustrated key for the identification of 22 of 23 mosquitoes which are currently recognized as local anopheline species in Sri Lanka, as a guide to workers engaged in malaria surveillance and control in the country. CONCLUSIONS: Revised morphological keys to the larval of these species may be helpful in easy and accurate identification at the field level.