Melas Malaria Mosquito vs Alpine Marsh Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melas Malaria Mosquito | Alpine Marsh Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles melas | Elgiva solicita |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Sciomyzidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-8 mm body length |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Meadows |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola | Europe, Alps |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Melas Malaria Mosquito
The West African saltwater-breeding member of the Anopheles gambiae complex, breeding in mangrove swamps and brackish lagoons. It is a secondary malaria vector in coastal West Africa. Its high biting rate partially compensates for its lower vector competence compared to A. gambiae.
Did You Know?
Despite being less efficient at transmitting malaria than A. gambiae, its abundance in coastal areas makes it a significant local vector.
Alpine Marsh Fly
A snail-killing fly of wet alpine meadows and bogs. Its larvae are specialist predators of aquatic snails.
Did You Know?
Each larva can consume multiple snails during its development.