Woodland Malaria Mosquito vs Sand Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Woodland Malaria Mosquito Sand Robber Fly
Scientific Name Anopheles punctulatus Philonicus albiceps
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Asilidae
Size 4-6 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Indonesia Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Woodland Malaria Mosquito

A major malaria vector in the southwest Pacific with spotted wings. It breeds in sunlit ground pools and temporary puddles.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary malaria vector in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Sand Robber Fly

A pale sandy-colored robber fly found on coastal dunes and sandy heaths. It hunts other flies and small insects on open sand.

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Did You Know?

Its pale coloration provides perfect camouflage against the sandy substrates where it hunts.