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Anopheles culicifacies (sensu lato) is one of the major vectors of malaria on the Indian subcontinent. It has been reported to be a species complex consisting of five sibling species which has been provisionally designated as spcies A, B, C, D and E. Beside the fact that this is primarily a zoophagic mosquito, it has been alleged to be important malaria vector contributing 60-65% of malaria cases in India.[citation needed] It prefers to rest indoors in cattle sheds, where it feeds on cattle. The control of A. culicifacies has become a formidable task due to development of insecticide resistance against all commonly used insecticides including new generation insecticides such as synthetic pyrethroids.
