In comparing anopheles and culex larvae, which genus has palmate hairs?

The correct answer is that Anopheles larvae possess palmate hairs. These palmate hairs, which are typically broad and flat, are distinct characteristics that help in identifying the larval stages of Anopheles mosquitoes. They aid in the filtering and capturing of food particles from the water in which these larvae live.

In contrast, Culex larvae do not have palmate hairs; their larval characteristics include different types of bristles that serve functions aligned with their feeding and habitat. Recognizing these features is crucial for entomologists and public health practitioners, as identifying mosquito species is essential for understanding their role in the transmission of diseases like malaria and West Nile virus.