Mosquito Taxonomic Inventory

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Definition:

A long, slender, flexible spicule that gradually tapers to a point or is of equal or near equal diameter throughout. In adult females with cibarial teeth, the tapered terminal part of a cone borne upon the pediment; bearing short lateral processes. 

Explanation:

The more common types of filaments occurring in mosquitoes are named by the adjectives listed and defined below.

barbed - With minute, short, pointed processes projecting obliquely from the surface.

branch-tipped - With a few subdivisions arising apically; the subdivisions may be short and thick or long and slender.

comb-tipped - With a short row of small rigid processes located at the side near the apex.

divided - With long branches of equal diameter usually arising within the basal two-thirds.

pectinate - With long or short branches arising at regular intervals along one side.

simple - Without lateral or distal processes, usually sharply pointed.

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