Common Malaria Mosquito vs Twin-spot Centurion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Malaria Mosquito Twin-spot Centurion
Scientific Name Anopheles quadrimaculatus Sargus bipunctatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Stratiomyidae
Size 4-6 mm 8-13 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

It is named for the four dark spots on each wing that distinguish it from other Anopheles species.

Twin-spot Centurion

A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.