Melas Malaria Mosquito vs Stalk-Eyed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melas Malaria Mosquito | Stalk-Eyed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles melas | Teleopsis dalmanni |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Diopsidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 6-10 mm body (eye span up to 25 mm) |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola | Asia |
| 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.
Stalk-Eyed Fly
Males have eyes on the tips of long rigid stalks that can span wider than their body length. Females prefer males with wider eye spans, driving extreme sexual selection.
Did You Know?
Males compete by facing each other and comparing eye span — the wider-eyed male wins. Females prefer wide-eyed males because eye span indicates good genes.