A review of Leucosphyrus Group with particular reference to the Anopheles dirus complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in India

The classification of the Leucosphyrus Group remained confused for long. The taxonomic events until it was resolved are traced in this review. The significance the description of Anopheles dirus as a new species and the subsequent characterization of its siblings are outlined. The current classification of the Leucosphyrus Group is presented and the various methods available for identifying the members of the dirus Species Complex are highlighted. Based on the limited information available about the members of the dirus Complex in India, the need for the reevaluations of this species, behaviour and vectorial capacity, which are of considerable importance in relation to malaria epidemiology in India, is emphasized.