Description

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Context

A new mosquito species provisionally named the Pwani molecular form has been discovered in the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya.

This discovery is significant in the context of global malaria control efforts particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria remains endemic.

Feature	Details
Belongs to	Anopheles gambiae complex – a group of major malaria vectors
Genetic Identity	Shows clear genetic divergence from other known members of the complex
Geographic Range	Geographically restricted to coastal East Africa mainly Kenya and Tanzania
Behavioral Traits	Potential for distinct ecological or behavioural adaptations
Insecticide Resistance	Lacks known resistance genes—this could imply (a) greater susceptibility or (b) unknown resistance mechanisms

Could reshape vector control strategies in the region due to its unique genetic and ecological traits.

Absence of common insecticide-resistance genes may offer a short-term advantage for current interventions:

Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets

Indoor Residual Spraying

Aspect	Details
Biological Classification	Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Diptera Family: Culicidae
Common Genera	Anopheles: Malaria transmission Aedes: Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya Culex: Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile virus
Breeding Habitat	Stagnant water (clean or polluted) Water-filled containers, drains, swamps, rice fields
Life Cycle	Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult (Complete metamorphosis)
Feeding Behavior	Only female mosquitoes feed on blood (required for egg development) Males feed on nectar
Diseases Transmitted	Anopheles: Malaria Aedes: Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya Culex: Filariasis, Encephalitis
Control Methods	Chemical: Insecticides (e.g., pyrethroids) Biological: Larvivorous fish, Bacterial larvicides Physical: Nets, eliminating breeding grounds
Insecticide Resistance	Growing concern due to overuse of chemicals; leads to ineffective vector control

Sources:

PHYS.ORG

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the recently discovered Pwani molecular form consider the following statements:

It is a newly identified mosquito species within the Anopheles gambiae complex.
It has been found predominantly in the highland regions of Ethiopia and Sudan.
It lacks known genetic markers for insecticide resistance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Pwani molecular form belongs to the Anopheles gambiae complex.

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is found in the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya not in the highlands of Ethiopia and Sudan.

Statement 3 is correct: It lacks the usual genetic markers for insecticide resistance which has implications for malaria control strategies.