The Anopheles superpictus complex: introduction of a new malaria vector complex in Iran.

Anopheles superpictus Grassi is one of the most widespread malaria vectors in Iran. Two morphologically independent forms of this mosquito, both at larval and adult stage as well as a great diversity in its mtDNA loci have been previously described in Iran. Because of existence of mtDNA haplotypes, co-occurrence of two forms in diverse climates as well as different roles of populations played in malaria transmission, we hypothesized the possibility of emerging species (or sub-species) within the taxon.

Genetic structure of the malaria vector Anopheles superpictus in Iran using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI and COII) and morphologic markers: a new species complex?

Anopheles superpictus has been implicated as the most widespread malaria vector in Iran. We collected adult specimens from eight provinces across the country and subjected them to a morphological investigation as well as molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA COI-COII region, using PCR-RFLP and analysis of DNA sequence alignment for 708bp of the COI locus. Two distinct morphological forms (A and B) of the species were found sympatric in all areas of study.