Merus Malaria Mosquito vs Mango Fruit Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Merus Malaria Mosquito | Mango Fruit Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles merus | Ceratitis cosyra |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Tephritidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Orchards |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | East African coast, from Somalia to South Africa | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Merus Malaria Mosquito
A saltwater-breeding member of the Anopheles gambiae complex found along the East African coast. It breeds in brackish pools along the coast and in inland salt pans. While less efficient than A. gambiae, it can be locally important for malaria transmission in coastal areas.
Did You Know?
Its tolerance for saltwater breeding sites sets it apart from its freshwater sibling species in the A. gambiae complex.
Mango Fruit Fly
A small, colorful fly with patterned wings that is one of the most destructive pests of mangoes in East Africa. Females lay eggs under the skin of ripening fruit.
Did You Know?
A single infested mango can contain dozens of larvae, and losses to fruit fly damage can exceed 80% of the harvest in unprotected orchards.