The yellow fever mosquito can be identified by?

The yellow fever mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes aegypti, is indeed identifiable by its distinct physical characteristics. The primary identification feature is the small body that is characterized by a lyre-shaped marking on the top of the thorax. This specific marking, along with other traits such as its coloration and behavior, sets it apart from other mosquito species.

While the other options highlight various features that mosquitoes might have, they do not accurately represent the key identifiers of the yellow fever mosquito. For example, the presence of black and yellow striped legs pertains to the same species but does not serve as the sole characteristic for identification. Similarly, while the size of mosquitoes can vary, size is not a definitive trait for identifying the yellow fever mosquito, as its size is comparable to other common mosquitoes. The breeding behavior in saltwater is not an attribute of Aedes aegypti; this species is more commonly associated with breeding in stagnant freshwater sources.

Thus, the distinctive lyre-shaped marking on the thorax is the correct feature for identifying the yellow fever mosquito effectively.