Projection patterns of gustatory neurons in the suboesophageal ganglion and tritocerebrum of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are heavily dependent on gustatory information when feeding. Following the recent elucidation of the molecular basis of gustation in the malaria mosquito, we present a detailed study of primary central projections of gustatory receptor neurons into the brain in the malaria (Anopheles gambiae) and yellow fever (Aedes aegypti) mosquito. In the brain we provide a detailed map of the areas targeted and describe a number of intrinsic neural elements connecting primary taste areas to higher brain levels. The morphological features described are discussed and compared to earlier reports in other insects as, e.g., the fruitfly, Drosophila.