Asian Malaria Mosquito vs Thyridanthrax Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Malaria Mosquito Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
Scientific Name Anopheles stephensi Thyridanthrax fenestratus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Bombyliidae
Size 4-6 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Parasitoids
Regions South Asia, Middle East, East Africa Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Asian Malaria Mosquito

An urban malaria mosquito that breeds in water storage tanks and cisterns. It is the primary malaria vector in Indian and Middle Eastern cities.

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Did You Know?

Its recent invasion of African cities has raised major concerns about urban malaria outbreaks.

Thyridanthrax Bee Fly

A bee fly with distinctive clear 'windows' in otherwise dark wings, found in sandy habitats across southern Europe. Larvae are parasitoids of tiger beetle and solitary wasp larvae.

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Did You Know?

The translucent 'windows' in its dark wings may help break up its outline, camouflaging it against dappled sandy ground.