Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, is distinguished from Culex mosquitoes by all of the following characteristics EXCEPT:

• A Presence of silvery-white scales forming a lyre-shaped pattern on the thorax
• B Resting position: Aedes rests with body parallel to the surface (proboscis and body at 180°) ✓
• C Eggs are torpedo-shaped and laid singly on water surface or damp walls
• D Larvae have a short curved siphon with a tuft of hair

Explanation

Aedes aegypti characteristically rests with its body TILTED at a 45-degree angle to the surface—not parallel. Anopheles mosquitoes are the ones that rest with body tilted at approximately 45° to the surface with the proboscis and body in a straight line (proboscis-body-resting surface at 45°). Culex rests with its body parallel (horizontal) to the surface. Aedes rests at approximately 45°. Options A (lyre-pattern thoracic scales), C (torpedo eggs laid singly), and D (short, straight siphon with single tuft in larvae) are correct features of Aedes aegypti.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.