Mosquitoes of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex include the major vectors of malaria in tropical Africa. Six different sibling species within the complex have been identified on the basis of mating incompatibility (1 –3 ). None of them can be distinguished using morphological characteristics.An. gambiae sensu strictoandAn. arabiensisare the two most efficient vectors within the complex and are widespread throughout tropical Africa being sympatric over much of their range.An. merusandAn. melas, two saltwater-associated forms, are vectors in coastal regions of East and West Africa, respectively, whereasAn. bwambaeis a vector confined to the Semliki forest in Uganda.An. quadriannulatusis mainly zoophilic and therefore not considered to be a vector of malaria; it is found in limited locations in East and South Africa and Ethiopia.
