Noon Fly vs Melas Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Noon Fly | Melas Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesembrina meridiana | Anopheles melas |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 10-13mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Noon Fly
A large stocky black fly with bright orange wing bases. It basks in sunshine on walls and fences at midday.
Did You Know?
Named for its habit of basking in the midday sun, often sitting motionless on warm surfaces around noon.
Melas Malaria Mosquito
The West African saltwater-breeding member of the Anopheles gambiae complex, breeding in mangrove swamps and brackish lagoons. It is a secondary malaria vector in coastal West Africa. Its high biting rate partially compensates for its lower vector competence compared to A. gambiae.
Did You Know?
Despite being less efficient at transmitting malaria than A. gambiae, its abundance in coastal areas makes it a significant local vector.