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Issue: Vol. 5717 No. 4: 7 Nov. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-11-07
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5717.4.3
Page range: 517-543
Abstract views: 19
PDF downloaded: 1

Descriptions of the male genitalia of species of Culex (Microculex) (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, and a dichotomous identification key for those species

Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Diptera bromeliads mosquitoes taxonomy

Abstract

The subgenus Microculex Theobald, 1907 of the genus Culex Linnaeus, 1758 is a group of Neotropical mosquitoes whose immature stages develop in phytotelm habitats, especially tank-forming bromeliads. Here we present a new dichotomous key for the males of species of Microculex collected in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. We show that in several species all structures of the male genitalia must be separated so that the aedeagus and proctiger can be observed and the species identified. The dichotomous key contains an illustrated description of the male genitalia for each species. The presence of various species and one species complex that had not previously been described is discussed.

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How to Cite

Oliveira-Christe, R. & Marrelli, M.T. (2025) Descriptions of the male genitalia of species of Culex (Microculex) (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, and a dichotomous identification key for those species. Zootaxa, 5717 (4), 517–543. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5717.4.3