Abstract
The mandibles of fourth stage mosquito larvae representing each subfamily and major feeding type were studied with the light and scanning electron microscopes. The fine structure of a number of minor structures and 7 major, composite structures was investigated. The latter include the mandibular teeth, the seta-bearing mandibular lobe, and several setal structures, the sellar setae, mandibular comb, mandibular brush, mandibular rake, and mandibular sweeper. Major structural differences were found in the subfamily representatives but due to the variety of methods used by culicines to obtain food, the differences are discussed in relation to feeding habits. In general, a reduction in the number of setae and an increase in the sclerotization and size of the mandibular teeth was found to occur in a sequence from plankton feeder to predator. InCulex pipiens quinquefasciatus, a plankton feeder, andAedes taeniorhynchus, a bottom feeder, the setae are well developed and bear processes for collecting small food particles. The mandibular teeth are more numerous and the mandibular comb is more prominent in the latter. InAnopheles crucians, a surface feeder, some setae are modified for capturing large food particles; others for directing smaller particles to the mouth. The numerous teeth are fit for crushing large particles.In Armigeres subalbatus, a scavenger, the setae and their processes are reduced in number and
Published Version
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