This page represents the following TreeOfLife-200M taxonomic path.[1]
Anopheles arabiensis is a mosquito species. Based on examination of preserved specimens from the TreeOfLife-200M dataset, the species exhibits typical characteristics of the genus Anopheles, including a slender body form and long, thin legs. The wings are narrow and typically feature dark and light scaling patterns, which are characteristic of many Anopheles species.[1]
Anopheles arabiensis exhibits strong zoophilic and exophilic tendencies, which are considered conducive to zooprophylaxis in malaria control.[2] In a study conducted in Lower Moshi, Northern Tanzania, An. arabiensis accounted for over 99% of the Anopheles species collected.[2]
Experimental release and recapture trials demonstrated that An. arabiensis has a higher exophilic tendency (80.7%) compared to Anopheles gambiae (59.7%) and Culex spp. (60.8%).[2] Odour-baited entry trap (OBET) experiments showed a significant preference for cattle odours (90.3%) over human odours (9.7%).[2]
Human Blood Index (HBI) estimates for An. arabiensis were lower in houses with cattle compared to those without, and lower in mosquitoes collected outdoors (0.1–0.3) than indoors (0.4–0.9).[2] Based on these behavioral traits, it is recommended that cattle be kept in the vicinity of human dwellings in areas where An. arabiensis is the predominant vector to maximize the protective effects of zooprophylaxis.[2]