Considerations for Rearing and MaintainingAnophelesin the Laboratory

Anophelesmosquitoes can transmit several human pathogens, including viruses such as o'nyong-nyong and parasites includingPlasmodiumspp. andWuchereriaspp., which cause malaria and filariasis, respectively. RearingAnophelesspecies of medical importance under laboratory conditions allows researchers to carry out experiments to better understand their genetics, physiology, and behavior. However,Anophelesspecies vary in how easily they can be reared in the laboratory, and some species have been difficult to colonize. Once established, members of the important AfricanAnopheles gambiaecomplex thrive following a standard protocol and are predictable in growth and development rates. Here, we provide useful basic information and guidance to successfully maintain colonies ofA. gambiaeand other species ofAnophelesin a laboratory setting. We also provide an example of a 3-wk rearing schedule that produces sufficient numbers of mosquitoes while minimizing the work required during weekends. In the accompanying protocols, we detail efficient methods and techniques suitable for several species of this genus at the egg, larva, pupae, and adult stages; however, it will be necessary for researchers to adjust methods as needed based on site-specific rearing observations of their particular strains.