Caption:
Anopheles gambiae mosquito, which is a known vector for the malarial parasite. Of the several groups of mosquitoes that are medically important, the genus Anopheles transmits the malaria parasite. Note the long palpi, which are about as long as the proboscis. Anopheles gambiae is a complex of at least seven morphologically indistinguishable species of mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles. This complex was recognised in the 1960s and includes the most important vectors of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa particularly of the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. It is one of the most efficient malaria vectors known.