Get to understand the primary differences between Aedes mosquito and Anopheles Mosquito. The basis of comparison include: geographical distribution, diseases they transmit, habitat, season of abundance, body structure and color.
Aedes Mosquito Description
Aedes mosquito is a type of mosquito which is a known vector of several viruses including yellow fever virus, dengue virus, chikungunya virus and Zika virus. The Aedes mosquito is reported to be commonly found in all Mediterranean and tropical countries. It is also common in subtropical countries.
The adults of Aedes mosquitoes are relatively small and show a black and white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches on a black background on the legs and other parts of the body, though some indigenous mosquitoes also show such contrasts (more brownish and yellowish).
The domestic form of Aedes mosquito is darker (paler) and has white scales on the first abdominal tergite. Aedes mosquito prefers mammalian hosts and will preferably feed on humans, even in the presence of alternative hosts. They feed multiple times during egg-producing cycle a factor that has an implication for disease transmission.
Aedes mosquitoes are usually active throughout year, with a peak in abundance from August to October. Their common habitats include areas like tree holes, septic tanks, and artificial containers such as vases, water tanks and tyres.
Aedes mosquitoes are adapted to breeding outdoors factors that may allow increase in population and thereby creating difficulties in implementing control measures.
Also Read: Difference Between Male And Female Mosquito
Anopheles Mosquito Description
The anopheles mosquito is world over referred to as the malaria mosquito species because it is considered the primary vector of the disease. The anopheles mosquito is also the transmitter of heartworm in dogs. Just like Aedes, anopheles mosquito species seems to prefer mammals including humans, for its blood meal.
Anopheles mosquitoes are found everywhere around the world. The adult anopheles mosquitoes are dark brown or black in color and have three body parts which are head, thorax and abdomen. When resting, the stomach area of the anopheles points upward, rather than being even with the surrounding surface as it is the case with other species of mosquito.
There are over 300 species of anopheles mosquitoes; however, only about 40 species are conveyors of malaria. The female anopheles mosquito has a short lifespan and during this short lifespan it will mate several times and produce thousand eggs. The anopheles will lay her eggs in several locations such as vegetative, fresh water, salty water surface, and non-vegetative shady or sunlit areas.
Also Read: Differences Between Culex Mosquito And Anopheles Mosquito
The Differences Between Aedes Mosquito And Anopheles Mosquito In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | AEDES MOSQUITO | ANOPHELES MOSQUITO |
| Geographical Distribution | The Aedes mosquito is reported to be commonly found in all Mediterranean and tropical countries. It is also common in subtropical countries. | Anopheles mosquitoes are found everywhere around the world. |
| Vector Of | Known vector of several viruses including yellow fever virus, dengue virus, chikungunya virus and Zika virus. | Known Vector of Malaria and causes Heart worm in dogs. |
| Resting Position | Aedes rest with their abdomen parallel to their resting surface. | Anopheles rest with their abdomens sticking upwards. |
| Body Structure | Aedes is shorter in length than anopheles. | Anopheles is a bit longer and slender than Aedes. |
| Body Color | Aedes has black and white stripes all over the body except wings. | The anopheles has blocks of black or brown color and white scales on their wings. |
| Habitat | Their common habitats include areas like tree holes, septic tanks, and artificial containers such as vases, water tanks and tyres | The common habitats of anopheles mosquito include: Stagnant water and Bushes |
| Season of Abundance | Aedes mosquitoes are usually active throughout year, with a peak in abundance from August to October. | Anopheles mosquitoes are usually active during both dry and rainy season; however, they are most abundant during long rainy seasons. |