Zoophilic
Guides
Anopheles freeborni
western malaria mosquito
Anopheles freeborni is a medium-sized mosquito species native to western North America, historically recognized as the primary malaria vector in the western United States. Adults are distinguished by four dark wing spots and gray-brown thoracic stripes. The species exhibits strong zoophilic feeding preferences, primarily targeting cattle, horses, and other large mammals, though human blood meals occur at lower frequencies. Larval development occurs in stagnant freshwater habitats, particularly rice fields and associated irrigation systems. Females overwinter in sheltered locations and exhibit prehibernation dispersal flights of up to 28 km. Mating occurs in large evening swarms from July through September.
Steganinae
Steganinae is the smaller of two subfamilies in the fruit fly family Drosophilidae, established by Hendel in 1917. The subfamily is monophyletic but lacks a single diagnostic morphological character distinguishing it from the larger Drosophilinae. Members display diverse feeding behaviors, with some species exhibiting zoophilic habits unusual for drosophilid flies. The subfamily includes approximately 350 described species across multiple tribes and subtribes, though phylogenetic relationships remain partially unresolved.