Anopheles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anopheles |
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| Anopheles stephensi | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Culicidae |
| Subfamily: | Anophelinae |
| Genus: | Anopheles Meigen 1818 |
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For a full description, see the main article: Taxonomy of Anopheles
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| Anopheles range map | |
Anopheles is a special kind of mosquito. These tiny insects are found all over the world. There are about 460 different kinds, or species, of Anopheles mosquitoes.
Contents
Anopheles Mosquitoes and Malaria
More than 100 types of Anopheles mosquitoes can spread a serious disease called malaria to humans. Malaria is caused by tiny living things called parasites. These parasites belong to a group called Plasmodium.
Only about 30 to 40 Anopheles species commonly spread these malaria parasites. They do this in places where malaria is common.
The Most Dangerous Anopheles
One of the most well-known Anopheles mosquitoes is Anopheles gambiae. This mosquito is very important because it spreads the most dangerous type of malaria parasite to humans. This parasite is called Plasmodium falciparum.
Other Diseases Spread by Anopheles
Besides malaria, some Anopheles mosquitoes can also spread other diseases. For example, they can carry the parasite that causes canine heartworm in dogs. They can also spread filariasis, which is a disease caused by tiny worms. Some viruses, like the one that causes O'nyong'nyong fever, can also be spread by these mosquitoes.
How Anopheles Mosquitoes Spread Disease
Mosquitoes act as vectors. This means they carry germs or parasites from one living thing to another. When an Anopheles mosquito bites a person who has malaria parasites, it picks up those parasites. Then, when it bites another person, it can pass the parasites to them. This is how the disease spreads.
Other Types of Mosquitoes
It's important to know that not all mosquitoes spread malaria. Other types of mosquitoes, like those from the groups Aedes, Culex, Culiseta, Haemagogus, and Ochlerotatus, can also spread diseases. However, they do not spread malaria. Each type of mosquito can carry different kinds of germs or parasites.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Anopheles egg
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Anopheles larva from southern Germany, about 8 mm long
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Feeding position of an Anopheles larva (A), compared to that of a nonanopheline mosquito (B)
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Resting positions of adult Anopheles (A, B), compared to a nonanopheline mosquito (C)
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Key to the morphology of female Anopheles
See also
In Spanish: Anopheles para niños
