Anopheles mosquito emerging from pupa, composite sequence. The sequence runs from left to right. The pupa is the stage where a mosquito is developing between the larval and adult forms. This pupa is at the water's surface, with a soon-to-be adult Anopheles mosquito emerging from its pupa. The female Anopheles mosquitoes are vectors for malaria, obtaining blood meals from mammals including humans. Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is transmitted into the bloodstream by mosquito bites. Malaria is a disease presenting as severe cyclic fevers and can kill. Malaria affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.