Which mosquito is primarily responsible for transmitting malaria?

The primary mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria is Anopheles quadrimaculatus. This species belongs to the Anopheles genus, which is known to harbor the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, in their salivary glands. When an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a human, it can inject the parasite via its saliva into the bloodstream, leading to malaria infection.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus is particularly significant in the transmission cycle in certain geographic areas, especially in the southeastern United States, where it is commonly found and has been shown to be an effective vector for malaria. Understanding the specific role of this mosquito is crucial for managing and controlling malaria in affected areas.

Culex pipiens, while a common mosquito, is mainly associated with the transmission of West Nile virus and other encephalitis viruses, not malaria. The phorid fly does not play a role in malaria transmission, and Aedes aegypti is recognized primarily for spreading diseases like dengue, Zika virus, and yellow fever, but not malaria.