Common Malaria Mosquito vs Frit Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Malaria Mosquito | Frit Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles quadrimaculatus | Oscinella frit |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, temperate worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Malaria Mosquito
A freshwater mosquito that was the primary malaria vector in the eastern United States. Larvae float horizontally at the water surface in slow-moving waters.
Did You Know?
It is named for the four dark spots on each wing that distinguish it from other Anopheles species.
Frit Fly
A tiny fly that is a major pest of oat crops and ryegrass. Larvae bore into plant stems causing 'dead heart'. Named from the Swedish word for grain. Multiple generations per year.
Did You Know?
Despite being only 1.5mm long, it can destroy entire crops of oats by killing the growing shoot inside each stem.