This page represents the following TreeOfLife-200M taxonomic path.[1]
Anopheles multicolor is a mosquito species characterized by specific morphological traits. In adult females, the maxillary palps are distinguished by three clear rings and a dark terminal ring [2]. Larval specimens exhibit simple, smooth clypeal bristles (2-C and 3-C) and weakly developed shoulder bristles (1-P and 2-P) [2]. Observations of preserved specimens from the TreeOfLife-200M dataset confirm the general culicid body plan, including the characteristic slender, elongated form, long legs, and specialized mouthparts typical of the genus Anopheles [1].
Anopheles multicolor has been documented in various regions, including recent reports from Nouakchott, Mauritania, which represent the westernmost and southernmost records of the species in continental Africa [2].
The species is notable for its high tolerance to salinity. Larvae have been observed co-existing with Anopheles arabiensis in highly saline natural surface water pools, with salinity levels reaching 16.8–28.9 g/l NaCl [2]. Laboratory studies have shown an 86.5% survival rate for larvae after 24 hours of exposure to 17.5 g/l NaCl [2].
Indoor resting collections suggest that An. multicolor has a low preference for resting in human shelters, with a tendency to complete its gonotrophic cycles outside of dwellings [2]. While it has not been found naturally infected with Plasmodium in these regions, its potential role in malaria transmission is still being investigated [2].