Spider-hunting Wasp vs Melas Malaria Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spider-hunting Wasp | Melas Malaria Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anoplius nigerrimus | Anopheles melas |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pompilidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 12-18mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | West African coast, from Senegal to Angola |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spider-hunting Wasp
A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.
Did You Know?
Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.
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.