A female Anopheles mosquito can be recognized by
(a) Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length
(b) Proboscis long and palpi short
(c) Proboscis short and palpi long
(d) Both proboscis and palpi short

Options

A. Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length
B. Proboscis long and palpi short
C. Proboscis short and palpi long
D. Both proboscis and palpi short.

Answer

To determine how a female Anopheles mosquito can be recognized, we need to analyze the characteristics of its proboscis and palpi in comparison to those of male Anopheles mosquitoes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Male Anopheles Mosquitoes**:
- Male Anopheles mosquitoes do not feed on mammalian blood; instead, they primarily feed on nectar.
- Their proboscis is wider and feathery, which is adapted for nectar feeding.

2. **Characteristics of Female Anopheles Mosquitoes**:
- Female Anopheles mosquitoes do feed on mammalian blood, which requires a different adaptation.
- Their proboscis is long and thin, designed to pierce the skin of mammals and suck blood.

3. **Comparison of Proboscis and Palpi**:
- In female Anopheles mosquitoes, both the proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length.
- This contrasts with male mosquitoes, where the palpi are typically more feathery and shorter relative to the proboscis.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option (a)**: Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length. (This is correct for female Anopheles.)
- **Option (b)**: Proboscis long and palpi short. (Incorrect, as both are long in females.)
- **Option (c)**: Proboscis short and palpi long. (Incorrect, as the proboscis is long.)
- **Option (d)**: Both proboscis and palpi short. (Incorrect, as both are long.)

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **(a)**: Proboscis and palpi are long and more or less of equal length.