Rothschild's Achias vs Common Malaria Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschild's Achias Common Malaria Mosquito
Scientific Name Achias rothschildi Anopheles quadrimaculatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Platystomatidae Culicidae
Size 15-18 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Papua New Guinea North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Rothschild's Achias

A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.

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Did You Know?

Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.

Common Malaria Mosquito

A freshwater mosquito that was the primary malaria vector in the eastern United States. Larvae float horizontally at the water surface in slow-moving waters.

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Did You Know?

It is named for the four dark spots on each wing that distinguish it from other Anopheles species.