An. gambiae is a complex of biological siblings which are genetically and behaviourally distinct and vary in their importance as malaria vectors. The members of the complex are morphologically indistinguishable as adults and are identified using molecular methodologies. The Anopheles gambiae complex of sibling species comprises nine related but reproductively isolated species that are almost indistinguishable morphologically: Anopheles amharicus, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles bwambae, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, Anopheles melas, Anopheles merus and Anopheles fontenillei. Collectively they are sometimes called Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, or An. gambiae s.l. meaning ‘in the wider sense.’ Some species in the complex (An. gambiae, An. coluzzii and An. arabiensis) are the main vectors of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Anopheles mosquitoes, being poikilotherms, have life history characteristics that are dependent on ambient temperatures. These life history characteristics include their biting rates, the duration of their gonotrophic cycles, their fecundity, the survival and development of the immature mosquitoes and the adult.