Melas Malaria Mosquito vs Rock Bristletail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melas Malaria Mosquito | Rock Bristletail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles melas | Petrobius brevistylis |
| Order | Diptera | Archaeognatha |
| Family | Culicidae | Machilidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola | Europe |
| 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.
Rock Bristletail
A coastal bristletail found on rocky shores from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. It has shorter cerci than the related P. maritimus.
Did You Know?
It can tolerate brief immersion in seawater during high tides.