Abstract:
Anopheles subpictus Grassi s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) functions as a secondary malaria vector to
Anopheles culicifacies Giles s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka. The taxon A. subpictus is reported
to exist as a species complex comprising four sibling species (A–D) that can be
differentiated through polytene chromosome banding patterns and stage-specific morphometric
traits in India. Based on the morphological characteristics described for the Indian Subpictus
Complex, the presence of all four sibling species has been described in Sri Lanka. As sibling species
show distinct bio-ecological characteristics that are important for devising appropriate vector
control measures, a study was carried out in six districts in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The results
confirm the presence of all four sibling species, with species C predominating in inland areas and
species B in coastal areas. Species C and D were indoor-resting and indoor-feeding, while species
B was outdoor-resting with no significant preference for indoor- or outdoor-resting. Species B
showed distinct morphological variation in the ornamentation of wings and palpi. Blood meal
analysis revealed that species B, C, and D can feed on humans as well as cattle. The differential
bio-ecological traits shown by the members of the Subpictus Complex are important for developing
appropriate vector control measures in Sri Lanka.
