Ultrastructure of Wing Scales in Adult Mammophilic Vector Culex(Culex) quinquefasciatus (Say) in a Semi-arid Zone

Abstract

Wing scales are considered a significant taxonomic character in the family Culicidae. Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM) of wing scales has been studied. The anatomy, morphology and distribution of wingscales of Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Say were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thisnew role of scales has been described here to segregate it from other species of subgenera Culicidae. Also, wehave added some vital variatious in larval characters such as setae and its disposition during development oflarvae in the laboratory as well as been recorded in their actual niche. There appears to be a need to recordthese larval variations, which are regularly occurring, but has not been recorded the in semi-arid zone ofIndia. The fourth instar of Cx. quinquefasciatus Say has been examined in the compound microscope. Thechaetotaxy variations on segments VII, VIII, and X have been observed. Whereas, on the X segment seta 2-X and 3-X with 2-6 branches were recorded. These observations have been compared with the work ofSirivankaran and White (1978) descriptions, where differences have been distinctly tabled. The role of wingscales in morphology cannot be ignored in any species specific and site-specific study in a semi-arid zonewhich can improve upon the taxonomy of Culicidae itself, when studied under higher magnifications.Reported variations of species could play a role in management of new diseases in this area. This ultimatelycan be an establishment factor for a relationship with epidemics with environmental parasitology andsystematics of vectors.