European Malaria Mosquito vs Bumblebee-mimicking Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Malaria Mosquito Bumblebee-mimicking Tachinid
Scientific Name Anopheles atroparvus Jurinia frontalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Tachinidae
Size 4-6 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Mountains
Diet Blood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western and Northern Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Malaria Mosquito

A medium-sized Anopheles mosquito that was the principal malaria vector in northern Europe before the disease was eliminated. It breeds in brackish coastal marshes and freshwater habitats. It still exists throughout Europe and is considered a risk for malaria reintroduction with climate change.

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Did You Know?

This mosquito transmitted malaria in England until the early 20th century, including in the marshlands of Kent where malaria was called 'marsh fever'.

Bumblebee-mimicking Tachinid

A large, furry tachinid fly that closely mimics a bumblebee with its dense covering of orange and black hairs. It is one of the hairiest of all tachinid flies.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most tachinids that parasitize caterpillars, this species targets wood-boring beetle larvae.