Updated distribution records of the Anopheles (Anopheles) hyrcanus species-group (Diptera: Culicidae) in China

Abstract

Mosquito collections were carried out during July–August 2005 in China. The known distribution of Anopheles hyrcanus species-group in China is updated based on published records and original observations. Twenty-one of about 30 known species of the Old World Hyrcanus group (Anopheles subgenus Anopheles), including An. belenrae Rueda, were recorded in 24 provinces and 2 cities. Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann, recorded in 21 provinces and 2 cities, is the most widely distributed species, followed by An. pullus Yamada and An. kweingyangensis Yao and Wu. The status of the type specimens of some Hyrcanus group species and their importance in disease transmission are also noted.