Identification of mosquitoes from UiTM Kuala Pilah through morphological characteristics and molecular approach / Syaza Izzaty Rahmat

Mosquitoes are known with the capabilities to cause vector-borne disease. Hence, the correct identification of mosquito become a critical factor in order to implement the most effective vector control strategies. In this study, a comparative method which is the combination of morphology approach and molecular method has been done to characterize the mosquito species of Culicinae subfamily. The physical features of the mosquito which is proboscis, wing, head, thorax, abdomen and leg has been used to identify the mosquitoes. A total of 50 mosquito samples were collected from two different locations, identified through morphological and molecular approach. A total of six morphometric measurement were measured on the sample. The mean of each characteristic were estimated by using Tukey's test with significant value (P<0.05). Both Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus display different size of morphometric characters. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COi) has help identify the unidentified samples to species level as Armigeres sp. DNA barcoding was also unable to identify Armigeres sp. to species level due to inaccurate primer.