Phenotypic diversity in Culex vishnui Theobald (Culicidae: Diptera)

Abstract

Samples of Culex vishnui Theobald randomly collected from different water bodies in Chandigarh and surrounding parts of Punjab and Haryana states reveal significant morphological differences which may be minor or quite apparent. These differences relate to the distribution and colouration of scales on different parts of body including head, legs and abdomen. The scales present on proboscis and maxillary palp are arranged in a few bands or some of them are scattered on general surface. Their colour varies from pale to dark brown. The shape of such bands on abdominal terga also varies from transverse to triangular bands. The male genitalia is also highly variable presenting difference in number of finger like processes on phallosome along with the length of mesal spine and sternal spine. Possible causes for the appearance of alternate phenotypes have been discussed.