A review on Anopheles subpictus Grassi--a biological vector

Abstract

Anopheles subpictus is a complex of four isomorphic sibling species A, B, C and D and is recognized as a primary vector of malaria, a disease of great socio-economic importance, in Australasian Zone, Celebes, Portuguese Timor and South East Asia and a secondary vector in Sri Lanka. This species is also a vector of some helminth and arboviruses. This species has been reported so far from nineteen countries of the Oriental and Australasian Zones. An. subpictus complex is the most abundant anopheline in most parts of the Indian subcontinent, with a widespread distribution eastwards and southwards to Papua New Guinea, westwards to Iran and northwards to China. Resistance to insecticide is alarming in many parts of the world. Different aspects of this important mosquito species including attempts related to its control have been discussed which will be highly useful to carry out further research.