A new species of mosquito discovered Sapa September 02 2009 at 07:27AM

Scientists are abuzz with the discovery of a new species of malaria mosquito identified by researchers from Wits University and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

The relative of the Anopheles funestus mosquito was found by researchers in tyres outside a reed hut during studies in northern Malawi in the rural villages around Karonga, on the shoreline of Lake Malawi.

The male specimens were dry-preserved on silica and 63 female specimens were brought to laboratories in Joburg for egg laying.

The survivors and their progeny were reared into adulthood in the laboratory, and studies done on them include sequence analysis, primer design and cross-mating examination. "The results indicate that the Anopheles funestus belongs to a group of similar species (similar in structure and function) that are commonly distinguished from one another through the use of chromosomal and molecular techniques," the university explained.

"Using the unique mosquito breeding facilities at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, we were able to carry out a range of experiments to show that the mosquitoes from Malawi were not the same as Anopheles funestus, and that we were dealing with a species new to science," Wits Professor Maureen Coetzee said.

"The results have implications for malaria vector control, particularly any attempt to use genetically modified mosquitoes.

"They also demonstrate how little we know about the malaria mosquito vectors in Africa despite over 100 years of research on this important disease."

Coetzee's husband Professor Richard Hunt said he had a feeling there was something different about the mosquitoes when he saw them in the course of anti-malaria work.

"It's great particularly when you find out something that has been worked on for so many years, and to come across a new one is really great and exciting," said Hunt.

The newly identified species is not a malaria transmitter, but it looks exactly the same as one of the most important vectors of malaria.