Plain-faced Dronefly vs Arabiensis Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Plain-faced Dronefly | Arabiensis Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis arbustorum | Anopheles arabiensis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 9-11 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | East Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Plain-faced Dronefly
A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.
Did You Know?
It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.
Arabiensis Mosquito
A member of the Anopheles gambiae complex that thrives in drier, more arid conditions. It feeds on both humans and cattle, making it a versatile malaria vector.
Did You Know?
It is more zoophilic than its close relative An. gambiae, often feeding on cattle, which makes bed nets alone less effective for controlling it.