Merus Malaria Mosquito vs Sulphur Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Merus Malaria Mosquito | Sulphur Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anopheles merus | Cteniopus sulphureus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Tenebrionidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 7-10mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | East African coast, from Somalia to South Africa | Europe |
| 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.
Sulphur Beetle
A bright sulphur-yellow beetle that looks more like a flower beetle than a typical darkling beetle. It is common on coastal flowers in summer.
Did You Know?
Despite belonging to the typically dark darkling beetle family it is one of the few members that is brightly colored.