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Dog Heartworm		 CLASSIFICATION:
Aitken, T. H. G. 1939. The Anopheles maculipennis complex of western America (Diptera, Culicidae). Pan-Pacif. Ent. 15:192.
FAMILY: Culicidae
SUBFAMILY: Anophelinae
GENUS: Anopheles
SUBGENUS: Anopheles
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERS:
Maxillary palpus of female almost as long as either the antenna or proboscis
Postspiracular setae absent
Prespiracular setae present
Scales on the dorsal surface of the radial sector and media narrow
BIONOMICS:
The larvae are found in roadside ditches, seepage pools and flooded rice fields. Sunny habitats with algae cover are preferred. Females feed on cloudy days, at dusk and during the night. They readily enter houses. Females are strong fliers and overwinter as adults, feeding on warm winter days.
MEDICAL IMPORTANCE:
This species is the principal arid region malaria vector. Western equine encephalitis has been isolated from wild-caught females.
DISTRIBUTION: