Anopheles culicifacies is a mosquito species complex and one of the primary vectors of malaria on the Indian subcontinent.

Taxonomic classification of these mosquitos relies upon traditional morphology, chromosome analysis, and DNA markers.

As a major vector of diseases such as malaria and filariasis, species belonging to this genus have affected humans more than any other insects.

Anopheles culicifacies complex consists of five sibling species, designated from A to E. Were identified on the basis of paracentric inversions on polytene chromosome X and 2.

[7] Through the use of biochemical techniques based on lactate dehydrogenase allozyme (Idh) differentiations can be made for the sibling species.

The species complex is also found to a much smaller extent to the east in Yemen, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

[9] The An.culicifacies species complex thrives in flat plains that receive fair amounts of rainfall.

[7] The emergence of heavy rainfall, droughts, floods, and varying cold and hot weather in many areas of India, An.

[10] In Madhya Pradesh 8% of the population contribute to 30% of the total malaria cases in central India, due to the large concentration of An.

The species also has a low affinity for human flesh, but due to their high density, they are a major vector for malaria.

[6] The species prefers to breed near streams, rice fields, irrigation channels, and rainwater collections.

Because of this vast breeding range occupied by this species during monsoon season, it is difficult to employ anti-larval control methods.

culicifacies has been a major concern for vectorial control programs in India due to the evolutions of resistance to commonly used insecticides such as DDT.