Spider-hunting Wasp vs Merus Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spider-hunting Wasp | Merus Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anoplius nigerrimus | Anopheles merus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pompilidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 12-18mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | East African coast, from Somalia to South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spider-hunting Wasp
A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.
Did You Know?
Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.
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.