European Malaria Mosquito vs Island Marble Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Malaria Mosquito Island Marble Butterfly
Scientific Name Anopheles atroparvus Euchloe ausonides insulanus
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Culicidae Pieridae
Size 4-6 mm 3-4 cm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Western and Northern Europe United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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'.

Island Marble Butterfly

A small white butterfly with green marbled undersides found only on San Juan Island, Washington. It was presumed extinct for 90 years before rediscovery in 1998.

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Did You Know?

When rediscovered, it was initially mistaken for the common Sara orangetip butterfly.