The Ag1000G release of 765 Anopheles gambiae and coluzzii mosquito genomes is enabling investigation of these medically important malaria vector species at a resolution and breadth never possible before.

Perhaps the most striking genetic feature of these mosquitoes is the vast wealth of diversity found across their genomes – nearly one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for every two bases of the reference genome. With this genetic diversity has come the discovery of many previously undetected non-synonymous (protein altering) mutations.

The recent release of 845 mosquito genomes by the Ag1000G Consortium provides the scientific community with a fantastic resource to investigate a huge variety of questions on a number of topics, such as speciation genomics, evidence for selection, and levels of population diversity.

Yet, working with such a huge dataset is complex. Just loading the genotype data into memory can be challenging – and that's before you even start on analysis!

Malaria is transmitted from one person to another by mosquitoes. In parts of the world where malaria is endemic, targeting mosquitoes remains one of the best hopes for controlling malaria. Mosquitoes can be controlled by bed-nets treated with insecticides and by spraying homes with insecticides.