Anopheles vs. Aedes
Differentiating mosquito vectors is a staple of NEET PG Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM). Each species has unique habitat preferences and biting behaviors.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Anopheles | Aedes (aegypti) |
|---|---|---|
| Disease | Malaria, Filariasis | Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika |
| Breeding Site | Natural/clean water | Man-made/artificial containers |
| Biting Time | Night (Nocturnal) | Day (Diurnal) |
| Resting Habit | Indoors (Endophilic) | Indoors/Outdoors |
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Aedes Breeding: Famous for breeding in “perifocal” areas (e.g., flower pots, discarded tires, coolers). They are “container breeders.”
- Anopheles Behavior: They prefer to rest on walls after a blood meal, which is why Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) is effective against them.
- Culex (Bonus): Remember, *Culex* is the primary vector for Wuchereria bancrofti (Filariasis) and Japanese Encephalitis; they prefer dirty/polluted water.