A New Classification for the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles (Cellia)

The Leucosphyrus Group of the genus Anopheles, subgenus Cellia, is divided into three subordinate groups based upon an analysis of relative lengths of the female proboscis, maxillary palpus and forefemur, and the relationships among them. The Elegans, Leucosphyrus and Riparis Subgroups are proposed and currently recognized taxa are assigned to each. Assignment of species to the Dirus and Leucosphyrus Species Complexes is also indicated. The relationships of the subgroups are figured, and a listing of currently recognized taxa belonging to the Leucosphyrus Group is tabulated. 1NTRODUCTION The Leucosphyrus Group of the genus Anopheles is of considerable medical and public health importance in Southeast Asia. At least three members of the group are known to be highly efficient vectors of human malaria parasites, i.e., balabacensis Baisas, dims Peyton and Harrison and Zeucosphyrus Doenitz. Other members are suspected vectors and several are also known to transmit simian malaria parasites. A few works recording the historical importance of the Leucosphyrus Group species on malaria transmission include Clark and Choudhury (194 1 ), McArthur (1947, 195 l), Kuitert and Hitchcock (1948), Macan (1948), Colless (1950, 1933, Scanlon and Sandhinand (1965), Reid (1968) and Rosenberg and Maheswary (1982). Only in recent years has the public health significance of the group been fully realized, with dims now viewed by most investigators as the most important vector on mainland Southeast Asia. As a result, there has been a considerable increase in interest and available resources for studying this group during the past 15 years. These studies now include all aspects of systematics, biology (behavioral and molecular) and epidemiology. 1 The views of the author do not reflect the views of the Dcyartment of the Army or the Department of Defense. LDepartnlent of Entomology, Division of Communicable Diseases and Immunology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Washington, DC 20307-5100. 3 Send reprint requests to: Walter Reed Riosystcmatics Unit, Museum Support Center, Smithsonian Instilution, Washington, DC 20560. Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 1989 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-1989 to 00-00-1989 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE A New Classification for the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles (Cellia). 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER