Disease relations: This species has been found naturally infected with human malaria plasmodium in Panama and was experimentally infected with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. It has also been reported that this species is the only malaria vector in certain regions of Colombia, between 800 and 1100 m asl; however, its real condition as a malaria vector cannot be verified because its identification was doubtful and Anopheles malefactor was in synonymous with this species (Wilkerson, 1990).

Immature states develop in clear and freshwater of small streams, ponds, and swamps, with shade, with little aquatic vegetation but with the presence of pastures, algae or floating leaves, commonly associated with the Nyssorhynchus oswaldoi and Anopheles argentinus species. Females have been found feeding on horses and in traps with human bait (Stojanovich et al., 1966; Wilkerson, 1990).