Nettle Pug vs European Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nettle Pug | European Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eupithecia venosata | Anopheles atroparvus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Culicidae |
| Size | 20-24 mm wingspan | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western and Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Nettle Pug
A small pug moth associated with bladder campion, not nettles despite its name. Larvae feed inside the inflated seed capsules. A rather attractive species.
Did You Know?
Despite being called 'Nettle Pug', it has no association with nettles and feeds entirely on campion.
European Malaria Mosquito
A medium-sized Anopheles mosquito that was the principal malaria vector in northern Europe before the disease was eliminated. It breeds in brackish coastal marshes and freshwater habitats. It still exists throughout Europe and is considered a risk for malaria reintroduction with climate change.
Did You Know?
This mosquito transmitted malaria in England until the early 20th century, including in the marshlands of Kent where malaria was called 'marsh fever'.