NOTES ON THE PIERCING MOUTHPARTS OF THREE SPECIES OF MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) VIEWED WITH THE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

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Abstract
The piercing mouthparts of three species of mosquitoes were examined with a stereoscan scanning electron microscope. The structures observed are discussed in relation to existing morphological studies. Two pairs of peg-like organs were seen at the tip of the labrum and sensory-like structures measuring approximately 1.2 μ were shown at the tip of the hypopharynx of all species. Differences were observed in the numbers of maxillary teeth of different species. The stylets of Wyeomyia smithii appear functional despite the belief that this species does not take a blood meal.