The number of tarsal segments is reduced; often three, two or only one may be present instead of the typical insectan number five.

The number of limb-bearing somites in the insectan head is thus seen to be seven.

Its different Vertebrate habitat, and also the fact that its Insectan definitive host is Culex and not Anopheles, differentiate it sharply from Laverania and Plasmodium.