Maculipennis Complex Mosquito vs Green Lestes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maculipennis Complex Mosquito | Green Lestes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles maculipennis | Lestes viridis |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Culicidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 39-48 mm body length |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia, North Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Maculipennis Complex Mosquito
A medium-sized mosquito that is the type species of a complex of at least eight sibling species across Europe and western Asia. It has spotted wings and breeds in sunlit freshwater pools. Historically, it was a malaria vector in southern Europe before the disease was eliminated.
Did You Know?
The discovery that this single 'species' was actually a complex of sibling species with different disease-transmitting abilities revolutionized mosquito taxonomy.
Green Lestes
A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.
Did You Know?
Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.