European Malaria Mosquito vs Peruvian Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Malaria Mosquito | Peruvian Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles atroparvus | Phlebotomus perniciosus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Western and Northern Europe | Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, North Africa |
| 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.
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'.
Peruvian Sandfly
A small sandfly found across the Mediterranean basin that is the primary vector of Leishmania infantum, which causes visceral leishmaniasis in dogs and humans in southern Europe. It is also a vector of Toscana virus, which causes meningitis. It breeds in stone walls and animal shelters.
Did You Know?
Canine leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly affects millions of dogs across southern Europe and is increasingly spreading northward with climate change.