Snow Flea vs Merus Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snow Flea | Merus Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Glaciopsyllus antarcticus | Anopheles merus |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratophyllidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | East African coast, from Somalia to South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snow Flea
A flea that parasitizes petrels and survives Antarctic conditions year-round.
Did You Know?
It is the southernmost known flea, enduring temperatures far below freezing.
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.