Anopheles culicifacies

Anopheles culicifacies (sensu lato) is one of the major vectors of malaria on the Indian Subcontinent. It has been reported to be a species complex consisting of five sibling species which have been provisionally designated as species A, B, C, D, and E. It prefers to rest indoors in cattle sheds, where it feeds on cattle. The control of A. culicifacies has become a formidable task due to development of insecticide resistance against all commonly used insecticides, including new-generation insecticides such as synthetic pyrethroids.