Australian Malaria Mosquito vs Bitter Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Malaria Mosquito | Bitter Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles farauti | Theclinesthes miskini |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 20-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, northern Australia | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Malaria Mosquito
A pale-winged Anopheles mosquito that is the dominant malaria vector in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It breeds in brackish water as well as fresh water, giving it access to coastal habitats. It bites both indoors and outdoors, making vector control challenging.
Did You Know?
Its ability to breed in both salt and fresh water gives it access to coastal habitats where most Anopheles cannot survive.
Bitter Blue
Small blue and brown butterfly with spotted gray undersides. Commonly found around its host plant in Australian coastal areas.
Did You Know?
It is tended by several species of ants that protect the caterpillars in exchange for honeydew.