ANOPHELES Meaning and
Definition
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Anopheles is a noun referring to a genus of mosquito that is primarily responsible for spreading malaria. This genus belongs to the family Culicidae and encompasses approximately 460 known species. Anopheles mosquitoes are typically found in warm and tropical regions around the world, although some species can endure in cooler climates as well.
Characterized by long, thin legs and a slender body, Anopheles mosquitoes are easily distinguishable from other mosquito species. They possess elongated palps that exceed the length of their proboscis (the tubular mouthpart used for feeding), aiding in their identification. These mosquitoes are also nocturnal, mainly active during the evening and night hours.
The most devastating aspect of Anopheles mosquitoes is their role as vectors of malaria, a deadly and widespread disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Female Anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria when they feed on the blood of infected humans or animals and subsequently bite other individuals. The parasite thrives and reproduces in the mosquito's digestive tract before being transferred to a new host during subsequent blood meals, perpetuating the disease cycle.
Efforts to combat malaria have focused on controlling the population of Anopheles mosquitoes, primarily through the use of insecticides, bed nets, and environmental management. These methods aim to prevent mosquito bites and interrupt the transmission cycle of malaria, significantly reducing the impact of this devastating disease on human populations.
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A genus of mosquitos of the family Culicidae, subfamily Anophelinae. The sporogenous cycle of the malarial parasite is passed in the body cavity of a female mosquito of certain species of this genus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANOPHELES
Etymology of ANOPHELES
The word "anopheles" originates from Greek. It is a combination of the Greek words "anō" (ἄνω), meaning "upward", and "phēlēs" (φῆλης), which means "to flee" or "to escape". The name was coined by British surgeon Sir Patrick Manson in 1900, by combining these Greek words to describe the behavior of these mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes are known for their tendency to fly upward when disturbed or trying to escape.
Similar spelling words for ANOPHELES
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