All of the Anopheline species thus far studied have distinctive cytogenetic features which permit identification to species. In some cases the cytogenetic difference are the only sure methods of distinguishing among members of a complex of sibling species. Easily seen cytogenetic differences are found in the X-chromosomes and in the autosomes, which often contain characteristic and unique inversions. Many of the banding pattern similarities occur in distantly related species and may extend to subgeneric levels. Most thoroughly studied thus far include: Anopheles maculipennis (nearctic and Palearctic); subgenus Cellia, including An. gambiae complex and several other species groups; subgenera Stethomyia; and subgenus Nyssorhynchus.