Mosquitoes may seem like a small nuisance on a summer evening, but they are among the most studied creatures on Earth. Scientists investigate them because a few species can spread diseases that affect millions of people, especially across sub-Saharan Africa. More than 3 500 mosquito species exist worldwide, yet only a small group can transmit malaria. The Anopheles gambiae species complex is one of the most efficient malaria vectors. It thrives …