Mosquito (Anopheles gambiae ♀)

Model on a scale of 60:1
Dimensions: approx. 100 cm long (legs!) | 70 cm wide | 40 cm high

Distribution and habitat

Anopheles gambiae is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical habitats; it breeds in ponds and puddles, as well as tree hollows.

Lifestyle and special features

These mosquitoes grow to 4.5 - 6.5 mm and are crepuscular. Only the females suck blood at night from birds, mammals and humans.

The mosquito is greatly feared as transmitter of malaria, the most frequently and widely spread human infectious disease. Today still, around 2 million people (!) die of malaria every year.

When at rest, Anopheles hold their bodies up from the ground. The proboscis and body form a line, and the last pair of legs is stretched upwards. This distinguishes the anopheles from all other kinds of mosquito, which always hold their body toward the base when at rest.