Morphological characteristic of malaria vector Anopheles aconitus (Family: Culicidae) revealed by advanced light and scanning electron microscope

Abstract

Abstract. Supriyomo, Soviana S, Novianto D, Musyaffa MF, Tan S, Hadi UK. 2022. Morphological characteristic of malaria vector Anopheles aconitus (Family: Culicidae) revealed by advanced light and scanning electron microscope. Biodiversitas 23: 3546-3552. Anopheles aconitus (An. aconitus) is one of the primary vectors for malaria in several areas in Indonesia, especially in Java Island. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool that can differentiate Anopheles spp. Morphology that is difficult to identify by using a light microscope only. The adult of An. aconitus used in this study have been reared in the laboratory. This research is conducted to better understand the Anopheles aconitus' external morphology, such as the head, proboscis, wings, thorax and legs, using advanced light and SEM. Results from an advanced light microscope showed that An. aconitus has palpus with the same length as proboscis with one narrow basal end and two broad distal ends; meanwhile, the apical half of proboscis is pale. Anopheles aconitus has wings with four pale spots on the costa side. Legs are uniformly dark with only very narrow, rather faint pale bands at the joining of segments. Using SEM, we found several types of sensilla trichodea: short-sharp tipped, short-blunt tipped, and long-shaped tipped in antenna, apical proboscis, maxillary palps, abdomen, and legs. Antenna is also covered with microtrichia and sensilla. This research is important for basic necessity in fully understanding and determining of mosquito bionomic due to the development of effective and efficient mosquito vector control strategies.

Determination of mosquito diversity using 3D digital microscope in Cibinong district, Bogor Regency

“…Observations using a 3D digital microscope Keyence VHX-6000 ® with 100-250x magnification makes it easier and gives more detail to identify morphological features of mosquito species (Fig 1 .). This is different from the research conducted by Supriyono et al and Chaturanga et al [7,11]. An advanced light microscope Leica M205Câ were used for morphological identification by Supriyono et al, while Chaturanga et al use a dissecting microscope.…”

“…Mosquitoes were collected during their peak biting activity, which occurred between 6 PM and 6 AM on September 2023. Subsequently, the mosquitoes were exterminated by putting them in the refrigerator and freezing for 30 minutes [11].…”