Midge Gall Fly vs Melas Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Midge Gall Fly | Melas Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asphondylia sarothamni | Anopheles melas |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Cecidomyiidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Midge Gall Fly
A gall midge that induces pod-like galls on broom shrubs. Its larvae develop inside swollen seed pods alongside symbiotic fungi.
Did You Know?
It farms a symbiotic fungus inside the gall that provides food for its developing larva.
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.