Making generalizations about vectors: Is there a physiology of “the mosquito”?

Many of the generalizations made about mosquito behavior and physiology are based on the extensive research on the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.). However, sufficient differences exist among the numerous species of mosquitoes that make many of these generalizations unwarranted. Some of the specific differences between Ae. aegypti and other mosquito species, particularly the important malaria vector Anopheles gambiae , are discussed.