Which mosquito species displays a lyre shape on top of its thorax?

The mosquito species known for displaying a lyre shape on top of its thorax is Aedes aegypti. This distinctive marking is a characteristic feature that can aid in the identification of this species. Aedes aegypti is an important vector for several viral diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Its unique appearance, highlighted by the lyre shape, not only helps entomologists and public health personnel in identifying the mosquito but also emphasizes its public health significance due to its role in disease transmission.

Other mosquito species mentioned do not have this specific marking. Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has distinctive white markings on its legs and a single longitudinal white stripe on the top of its thorax, differentiating it from Aedes aegypti. Anopheles crucians and Culex nigripalpus have their own identifying characteristics, but neither presents the lyre shape on their thorax like Aedes aegypti does, which is why this species is uniquely recognized for that trait.