Simplified staining in situ of neurosecretory cells of the supraoesophageal ganglion of the female Culex pipiens molestus (Forskal) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The author describes the morphology and distribution of the neurosecretory cells in the supraoesophageal ganglion of the adult female Culex pipiens molestus, using paraldehyde fuchsin and paraldehyde thionine-paraldehyde fuchsin as vital staining techniques. The brain of Culex pipiens molestus has three regions (the proto-, deuto- and tritocerebrum) in which principally two types of neurosecretory cells (A and B) can be detected. Both A (dark) and B (light) cells are to be found in the protocerebrum, where they are termed medial neurosecretory cells, as they are distributed in the pars intercerebralis and only a few occur more laterally. A small group of type A and B neurosecretory cells is to be found in the posterior part of the brain (the tritocerebrum). These cells display characteristics differences in their tinctorial affinity.