Distribution of the transposable element mariner in anopheline mosquitoes

We have surveyed the distribution of the transposable element mariner using PCR in 23 species of Anopheles mosquitoes, including all of the most impor tant vectors of malaria in South-east Asia. Sequencing of the nine positive species revealed elements from the irritans, mauritiana and mellifera subf amilies. These are the first data showing the presence of three subfamilies of mariners in anophelines. The elements we encountered are likely to be i nactive, based on the presence of multiple stop codons and/or frameshifts.