Pigeon Louse Fly vs European Malaria Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pigeon Louse Fly European Malaria Mosquito
Scientific Name Pseudolynchia canariensis Anopheles atroparvus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Hippoboscidae Culicidae
Size 5-7 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Cosmopolitan - worldwide wherever pigeons occur Western and Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pigeon Louse Fly

A flattened, tough-bodied blood-sucking fly found on pigeons and doves worldwide. It has a leathery appearance, strong claws, and wings that allow it to move between bird hosts.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary vector of pigeon malaria, a Haemoproteus blood parasite that infects domestic and wild pigeons.

European Malaria Mosquito

A medium-sized Anopheles mosquito that was the principal malaria vector in northern Europe before the disease was eliminated. It breeds in brackish coastal marshes and freshwater habitats. It still exists throughout Europe and is considered a risk for malaria reintroduction with climate change.

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Did You Know?

This mosquito transmitted malaria in England until the early 20th century, including in the marshlands of Kent where malaria was called 'marsh fever'.