Southeast Asian Malaria Mosquito vs Dotted Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southeast Asian Malaria Mosquito Dotted Bee Fly
Scientific Name Anopheles dirus Bombylius discolor
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Bombyliidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Forests Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southeast Asian Malaria Mosquito

A forest-dwelling mosquito with dark wings and a strong preference for biting humans. It is the primary malaria vector in forested areas of Southeast Asia. It breeds in small, shaded pools such as animal footprints and gem-mining pits in the jungle.

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Did You Know?

It bites early in the evening outdoors, making bed nets less effective against this species.

Dotted Bee Fly

A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.

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Did You Know?

It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.