Summary
Species‐specific rDNA primers were tested for their ability to identify museum specimens of the Anopheles gambiae complex ranging in age from 15 to 93 years. Twenty pinned females of known or inferred identity were selected for study from the collection of The Natural History Museum in London, primarily on grounds of their provenance and/or presumed identity. The abdomens were removed and provided ‘blind’ to the first author for identification. Most of the specimens (17/20) yielded amplifiable DNA and sixteen were identified to species, fifteen unambiguously. The PCR identifications of twelve specimens matched identifications on museum labels, including seven of unambiguous identity. One of the specimens identified correctly was a 93‐year‐old syntype of An. gambiae. This study demonstrates that PCR‐based methods, by establishing the genetic identity of name‐bearing type specimens in museum collections, may help in the application of available names to members of sibling species complexes.