What are the characteristics of adult Aedes and Psorophora?

• A. Palpi longer than proboscis and pointed abdomen
• B. Palpi equal to proboscis length and rounded abdomen
• C. Palpi shorter than proboscis and pointed abdomen
• D. Palpi absent

Answer: (C)

Understanding how adult mosquitoes are identified often hinges on mouthparts and abdomen shape. For Aedes and Psorophora, the palpi are shorter than the proboscis, and the abdomen is pointed. This combination helps separate them from other genera—for example, Anopheles typically has palps about as long as the proboscis, and some other genera have a more rounded abdomen. The presence of palpi lengths exceeding the proboscis is not consistent with these genera, and palpi are certainly present in adult mosquitoes, so palpi absent would be incorrect.