Anopheles plumbeus Stephens, 1828: a neglected malaria vector in Europe

Abstract

Traditionally field and laboratory research about malaria vectors in Europe have been mainly focused on the species of the <em>Anopheles maculipennis</em> complex. However, although malaria is essentially a rural disease, potential urban vectors merit attention. Because only a few European <em>Anopheles</em> species can breed in urban environments, improving knowledge about their bioecology is necessary to implement effective control measures. Among these opportunistic species, <em>Anopheles plumbeus</em> has a distinctive dendrolimnic behavior, being able to complete its larval development in small containers. The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough review of the limited studies on An. plumbeus with the aim of providing useful epidemiological information.