Three-dimensionality of the male genitalia shape and species identification in the mosquito genus Aedes Meigen, 1818 (Diptera,Culicidae)

The significance of the 3D-shape of the mosquito male genitalia is demonstrated in the species of the genus Aedes (Diptera, Culicidae) as an example. Differences between the real 3D-shape of the male genitalia and traditional 2D pictures obtained during examination of balsam slides are revealed. Original descriptions of 3D-shaped coxites, claspettes, lobes of tergite IX, and proctiger in 30 species of the subgenus Ochlerotatus are given. This study allowed finding new diagnostic characters, including the basic 3D-shape of the basal lobe of the coxite, of the claspette filament, and of some other structures.