Characterization of olfactory genes in the antennae of the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus

► Twelve OBP, two “plus-C” OBP, and two SNMP genes likely encode olfactory proteins in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus based on their high enrichment in antennae compared to non-olfactory tissues. ► Olfactory genes in Culex quinquefasciatus have putative orthologs in other mosquito species, suggesting they might ensure similar functions. ► Two genes, one “plus-C” OBP and one OBP, might be involved more specifically in female olfactory behaviors, based on their enrichment in female antennae compared to male antennae. ► Eight genes are transcribed at very high levels in antennae compared to CquiOR7, suggesting they might encode highly abundant olfactory proteins.