Australian Malaria Mosquito vs Frangipani Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Malaria Mosquito | Frangipani Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles farauti | Pseudosphinx tetrio |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 100-140 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, northern Australia | Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America |
| 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.
Frangipani Hawk Moth
A large gray hawk moth whose larvae are among the most spectacular caterpillars in the world, with bold black and yellow banding and a bright red head. It is common throughout the tropics.
Did You Know?
The frangipani caterpillar's vivid warning coloration and ability to sequester toxic alkaloids from its host plant make it one of the most conspicuous and well-defended caterpillars in the Americas.