Polynesian Tiger Mosquito vs Scentless Plant Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Polynesian Tiger Mosquito | Scentless Plant Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aedes polynesiensis | Jadera haematoloma |
| Order | Diptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Rhopalidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | South Pacific islands, Polynesia, Melanesia | Southern United States, Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Polynesian Tiger Mosquito
A dark mosquito with white markings found across the South Pacific islands. It is an important vector of lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti) and dengue in the Pacific. It breeds in natural containers like coconut shells, crab holes, and tree holes.
Did You Know?
Biological control using the mosquito Toxorhynchites amboinensis was attempted in the Pacific, as it preys on Aedes larvae.
Scentless Plant Bug
A red-eyed black and red bug that forms enormous aggregations on golden rain trees and other soapberry family plants. Despite its common name, it belongs to the scentless plant bug family. It is completely harmless to humans and structures.
Did You Know?
Populations feeding on different host plants have evolved different beak lengths matched to seed size, providing a textbook example of rapid natural selection.