Tumbu Fly vs Merus Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tumbu Fly | Merus Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cordylobia anthropophaga | Anopheles merus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Culicidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa | East African coast, from Somalia to South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tumbu Fly
An African blow fly whose larvae cause furuncular myiasis in humans and animals. Females lay eggs on soil or clothing hung out to dry.
Did You Know?
Ironing clothes thoroughly after drying them outdoors kills the eggs and prevents skin infestation.
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.