Adult Anopheline and Culicine mosquito heads

The head appendages of the adult mosquito consist of one proboscis (a serrated appendage used by female mosquitoes for extracting blood), a pair of antennae, and a pair of maxillary palps; these features require a microscope for visualization. Female mosquitoes use the proboscis to pierce skin and suck blood. Male antennae are bushier than female antennae and can be seen with the naked eye.

The unique palp characteristics are the most reliable for differentiation between Anopheline and Culicine mosquitoes. Anopheline female palps are about the same length as the proboscis, while Anopheline male palps are club-shaped at the ends. Culicine female palps are shorter than the proboscis, and Culicine male palps are long with a tapered point.