Morphologic Variations of Larvae of the Scutellaris Group of Aedes (Diptera, Culicidae) in Polynesia

Abstract

The scutellaris group of Aedes (Stegomyia), which ranges from the eastern part of the Australasian Region to the eastern part of the Oriental Region, includes species which have been incriminated as important vectors of human filariasis and dengue. This complex now contains 17 species, all of which are similar morphologically. The various species are differentiated primarily by the structure of the male terminalia, although in certain species the coloration characters of the adults are of use. Larvae of only one species, Aedes horrescens Edwards, have been considered as disinctive (Edwards, 1935). This species was originally distinguished from other members of the scutellaris group by the prominent stellate setae of the larvae, which made them appear hairy (hence the name horrescens). These hairy larvae have been found primarily in tree holes (Paine, 1943; Lever, 1944 and 1945) in contrast to most species of the scutellaris group which utilize a wide variety of small containers as breeding sites.