Female *Aedes*
Explanation
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The transmission relies on specific vectors capable of carrying the virus.
- Male Anopheles is incorrect: Male mosquitoes of any genus, including Anopheles, feed exclusively on flower nectar and plant juices. They do not bite humans or animals for blood and, therefore, do not transmit diseases like Dengue or Malaria.
- Female Anopheles is incorrect: The female Anopheles mosquito is the specific vector for Malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is not the carrier of the Dengue virus.
- Female Aedes is correct: The female Aedes mosquito (primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) acts as the carrier for the Dengue virus. These mosquitoes are day-biters and are also responsible for transmitting Chikungunya, Zika, and Yellow Fever.
- Housefly is incorrect: The Housefly acts as a mechanical vector for diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery by transferring pathogens from waste to food. It does not transmit the Dengue virus.
Key Takeaway: Dengue is transmitted by the female Aedes mosquito, whereas Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.