ABSTRACT
Since it was first shown, 100 years ago, that the malaria parasite is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, it has been recognized that knowledge of the mosquito is of major importance in malaria control. Simple techniques of reducing mosquito survival, such as spraying interior wall surfaces with residual insecticides, have in some countries led to the total eradication of malaria or greatly reduced its public health importance. However, successful programmes have always been based on a sound knowledge of the mosquito species concerned and the details of their biology and behaviour. This chapter considers the biology of the malaria vectors, emphasizing features important to an understanding of malaria epidemiology and control, and describes the more important methods used by entomologists to collect and study them.
