Mosquito Taxonomic Inventory

Images:

Abbreviation:

MxB

Definition:

In mosquito and dixid larvae, a collection of variously developed spicules arising distally from the maxillary body, or the galeastipes when distinguishable.

Explanation:

The larval maxilla bears two principal functional structures that play a role in feeding. In most mosquitoes, the apex of the maxillary body (galeastipes) bears a prominent collection of spicules, the maxillary brush, and the dorsomesal margin (laciniastipes) bears three rows or patches of spicules, the laciniarastra. The maxillary brush and the most mesa1 of the laciniarastra (= laciniarastrum 1) are variously modified to feeding in different ways on different kinds of food. Most sabethine mosquitoes have a maxillary brush much like that found in the majority of non-sabethine species of subfamily Culicinae. The typical brush consists of a number of independent, basally articulated, flexible elements that serve to collect food particles from the palatal brushes. In the derived condition, all or most of the elements are partially or completely coalesced into a single articulated structure. See maxillary bundle and maxillary claw.

Synonyms:

apical brush, brush, brush of dististipes, brushes (in part), combs (in part), fan, maxillary combs, tuft A, terminal brush, tuft of bristles, tuft