Anopheles gambiae, whose genome sequence is presented in the 4 October 2002 issue of Science, is only one of a broad and diverse array of mosquitoes plying the globe. Some of those species are notorious for spreading diseases ranging from dengue to West Nile virus; others are distinguished mainly by their unusual life cycles and superb adaptability.

As an introduction to the diversity of the mosquito, Science's News Department presents the following set of 10 mosquito "trading cards" -- beginning with perhaps the most infamous species of all.