Australian Malaria Mosquito vs Gypsy Moth Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Malaria Mosquito Gypsy Moth Tachinid
Scientific Name Anopheles farauti Compsilura concinnata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Tachinidae
Size 3-5 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Parasites
Regions Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, northern Australia Europe, North America, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Its ability to breed in both salt and fresh water gives it access to coastal habitats where most Anopheles cannot survive.

Gypsy Moth Tachinid

A parasitic fly introduced to North America from Europe to control gypsy moths. It has an extremely broad host range attacking over 200 insect species.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to North America is now considered a mistake because it devastated native silk moth populations.