Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans, caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Four species account for almost all human infections but the species P falciparum causes the majority of infections in Africa and is responsible for the most severe forms of the disease, with the highest mortality rate. When an infected mosquito bites a human therefore, it can introduce the parasite from its saliva into the person’s blood. Many different species of mosquito transmit malaria in this way. Each of the malaria-transmitting mosquito species has different lengths of life-cycle, preferred aquatic habitat, and preferred feeding. The long lifespan and strong human-biting habit of the African species that carry malaria are the main reasons for the high incidence of malaria in Africa. Despite the fact it is easily preventable and treatable, malaria continues to have a devastating impact on people’s health and livelihoods around the world.