Which mosquito species is a known vector for malaria?

The Anopheles mosquito is the known vector for malaria because it is the species that has the specific biological capability to carry and transmit the malaria parasite, Plasmodium spp., to humans. The lifecycle of the malaria parasite includes a stage that occurs in the Anopheles mosquito, where it develops and multiplies before being transmitted through the mosquito's bite to a human host. This unique relationship between the Anopheles mosquito and the malaria parasite is critical for the disease's transmission cycle.

In contrast, the other mosquito species mentioned do not have a role in transmitting malaria. The Aedes mosquito is primarily known for spreading diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. The Culex mosquito is associated with West Nile virus and other encephalitis viruses. The Psorophora mosquito is lesser-known and typically does not transmit major human diseases. Each of these species may carry different pathogens but lacks the biological connection to Plasmodium that is essential for malaria transmission.