Harnessing omics to refine taxonomic classification in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae species complex: a review

The malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa, where it plays a crucial role in transmitting malaria parasites to humans. Hitherto considered a single species, advances in cytogenetics and genomics have unveiled members of the complex as separate species. Whilst these species are morphologically indistinguishable, they are genetically distinct exhibiting significant differences in their ecological interactions and behavior. For example, they display considerable variation in their response to vector control measures and capacity to host malaria parasite, contributing differentially to malaria transmission. Consequently, precise taxonomic identification might help guide control programs against them. However, current approaches used in An. gambiae taxonomic systematics differ in accuracy and sensitivity, making it difficult to correctly delimit species boundaries. In this review, we discuss available taxonomic approaches utilized in An. gambiae complex whilst providing a framework for future taxonomic efforts. We also examine the process of naming a new species within the complex and detail the complexities of existing nomenclature approaches, as well as the prospective challenges they present, while advocating for an alternative approach. We conclude by providing a perspective on the use of a robust integrated approach in classifying and naming species of the An. gambiae complex.