Anopheles perplexens

Ludlow, 1907

Anopheles perplexens is a native North American mosquito in the Anopheles, first described by Ludlow in 1907. It was documented in Charlotte County, Florida in 2021 during routine public health surveillance, with only a single specimen confirmed to date. As an Anopheles species, it belongs to the group of mosquitoes capable of transmitting Plasmodium , though specific competence for this species has not been established. The species was identified through external and confirmed via COI gene sequencing.

Anopheles perplexens by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anopheles perplexens by Justin Williams. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anopheles perplexens: //əˈnɒfəliz pəˈplɛksɛnz//

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Identification

Anopheles perplexens is distinguished from other Anopheles through external morphological characters and confirmed by sequencing the region of the c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. As a member of the Anopheles , likely display the characteristic resting posture with body angled upward and , palps, and in roughly a straight line, though species-specific diagnostic features are not detailed in available sources.

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Distribution

Charlotte County, Florida, USA. Native to North America.

Human Relevance

Documented during routine public health mosquito surveillance in Florida. As an Anopheles , it has potential significance for transmission in the United States, particularly given the 2023 locally transmitted malaria cases in Florida and Texas. However, specific competence or transmission role for this species has not been established.

Similar Taxa

Anopheles quadrimaculatusBoth are native North American Anopheles found in the southeastern United States and are potential . Anopheles quadrimaculatus is historically the most important malaria vector in the eastern U.S. and is far more abundant and well-studied than A. perplexens.
Anopheles punctipennisAnother native North American Anopheles with similar geographic range. Anopheles punctipennis is more commonly encountered in surveillance and shows preference for woodland .