Question

Female Anopheles mosquito can be recognised by
A) Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length
B) Proboscis long palpi short
C) Proboscis short palpi long
D) Both proboscis and palpi short

Answer 1

Hint:Proboscis and palpi are mouth appendages of the female mosquito. They use these organs to procure blood from the host. The females usually have the Proboscis and palpi of the same length as their main function is to such blood from the host body. Males have a shorter palpi since they only suck nectar from flowers.

Complete answer:
Proboscis is an essential head appendage in insects that primarily helps in reaching the blood vessels of the host and used as a probe for sucking blood. It is made up of 6 tiny needle-like structures called stylets. They facilitate piercing the skin and finding blood vessels.
Palpi are elongated segmented appendages present in pairs near the mouth. It is concerned with the sense of touch and taste.
Female Anopheles mosquitoes have antennae bearing shorter hair compared to the male. The palpi are as long and straight as the Proboscis.

Hence the correct answer is (A.) Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length.

Note:Female Anopheles mosquito causes malaria.
The body of the adult Anopheles mosquito is dark brown to black in color and is differentiated into the head, thorax and abdomen. The stomach area of the anopheles mosquito species points upward, rather than being even with the surrounding surface like most mosquitoes.