In mosquitoes, sex determination can be done on the basis of:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

In mosquitoes, discerning between males and females is crucial for studying their biology, disease transmission, and developing control strategies. One of the most reliable morphological characteristics used for sex determination is the structure of their antennae and maxillary palps. Male mosquitoes typically possess highly plumose, or bushy and feathery, antennae, which are adapted to detect the faint wing-beat frequencies of female mosquitoes. In contrast, female antennae are generally less hairy or pilose. Furthermore, the maxillary palps, which are sensory appendages near the mouthparts, also exhibit distinct differences. In many species, male maxillary palps are longer than their proboscis, while female maxillary palps are shorter. These combined features of the antennae and maxillary palps provide a clear and consistent way to differentiate the sexes, which is essential for entomologists and public health professionals.

The incorrect option is 1: Size of wings. While there might be slight variations in wing size between male and female mosquitoes, this characteristic is not a consistent or reliable indicator for sex determination. Wing size can be influenced by various factors such as nutrition and environmental conditions, making it an unreliable morphological marker.

The incorrect option is 2: Antenna. While antennae are indeed a key feature for sex determination, simply stating "Antenna" is not as precise as including the maxillary palps. The specific morphology of the antennae (bushy in males, less hairy in females) combined with the characteristics of the maxillary palps offers a more comprehensive and accurate method.

The incorrect option is 4: Ocelli. Ocelli are simple eyes found in some insects, typically involved in light detection rather than detailed vision. Mosquitoes, however, generally do not possess ocelli. Therefore, ocelli cannot be used as a basis for sex determination in these insects.