Mosquito

Mosquitoes have been a scourge of humanity for thousands of years.

They sometimes carry dangerous diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, West Nile, dengue fever, and Zika, which are responsible for numerous deaths every year. But the mosquito family is a very diverse bunch, and only a small percentage of species actually consume human blood.

Most of the rest are completely harmless to people. This article will cover some interesting facts about the reality of these often annoying but still misunderstood insects, including their life cycle, physical description, and diet.

3 Incredible Mosquito Facts!

• The name mosquito actually means little fly in Spanish and Portuguese, which perhaps doesn’t entirely fit their description.
• Females tend to lay their eggs in stagnant shallow water or damp soil.
• Some mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and octanol present in their breath and sweat. One of the most interesting facts is that they apparently seek out beer drinkers, although it’s not entirely understood why.

Evolution and Origins

It originated as a feral species that primarily feeds on animals in the forested regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Even today, the subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus can still be found in these forests, where it continues to bite non-human animals.

Scientific research indicates that mosquitoes share a common family with the housefly. Approximately 200 million years ago, mosquitoes began their evolutionary journey, eventually transforming into the blood-sucking insects we are familiar with today.

Following a blood meal, the female mosquito deposits her eggs in or close to water, soil, and near the roots of certain plants in locations that are prone to water accumulation.

These eggs are capable of enduring dry environments for several months. Once immersed in water, the eggs hatch, giving rise to mosquito larvae, often referred to as “wrigglers.”

Species, Types, and Scientific Names

The scientific name for the mosquito family is Culicidae. This comes from the Latin word culex for a midge or gnat. More than 3,500 species have been recorded across 112 different genera, although it would be difficult to list all of the different types here. Mosquitoes are a member of the fly order Diptera.

Here are the most common types:

• Asian tiger mosquito
• Yellow fever mosquito
• Aedes
• Common house mosquito
• Marsh mosquitoes
• Culex
• Psorophora ciliata
• Mansonia
• Toxorhynchites
• Culicidae
• Culiseta annulata
• Culiseta
• Eretmapodites
• Culicinae
• Haemagogus
• Psorophora
• Coquillettidia
• Toxorhynchitinae

Appearance: How to Identify Them

Mosquitoes undergo four different life stages: eggs, larvae, pupas, and adults. The adults can be identified by the slender body, the long and sinewy legs, the pair of wings extending from the middle of the thorax, and the long proboscis that forms part of the mouth. Most species are less than an inch long and difficult to see.

Sometimes you’re more likely to hear their buzzing sound than you are to catch a glimpse of the mosquito itself. The larvae, by contrast, look nothing like the adult. It is characterized by a long body with eight abdominal segments, tiny mouth brushes, and no legs. The pupa looks kind of like a big sac and remains stationary near the water’s surface for a few days. While the larvae and pupas live in shallow water, they still must draw in air to survive.

Habitat: Where to Find Them

Mosquitoes live in just about every type of habitat all over the world outside of Antarctica, but the greatest concentration can be found in warm tropical environments closer to the equator. Northern populations tend to survive the winter by taking shelter in buildings or hollow trees.

Diet: What Do Mosquitoes Eat?

Despite their reputation as blood-sucking insects, mosquitoes actually have a very fascinating diet, which will be covered below.

What eats the mosquito?

Mosquitoes are preyed upon by all kinds of different fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even other insects. One of the most common predators is the dragonfly. They feed on mosquito eggs and larvae in the water.

What does the mosquito eat?

Adult mosquitoes actually consume nectar, honeydew, and plant juices. Only the females suck blood (the technical term for this is hematophage), and even then the blood is intended for the eggs. Their sharp mouthparts are specialized for piercing skin or drawing out nectar from plants. The larvae, by contrast, consume algae and bacteria. The pupas may not feed at all.

Prevention: How to Get Rid of Them

These insects can be tricky to deal with. If you have an infestation in your home, then you should first check any sinks, closets, or furniture for damp, humid places where they can spawn, and repair any damaged window screens to prevent them from entering in the first place. EPA-registered insect repellent in the fogger, aerosol, or pump spray form can kill individual mosquitoes as well.

When you’re going outside, there are all kinds of options to prevent bites, including bug sprays, zappers, citronella torches or candles, and natural repellents such as rosemary, peppermint, and lemon thyme. Once applied to clothing and exposed skin, sprays can be effective for up to 10 hours at a time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists four chemicals as being effective mosquito repellents: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and PMD/oil of lemon eucalyptus. Strong fans can also keep mosquitoes from flying close to you.

If you are facing a wider infestation, then consider using some kind of pesticide on the problem area and also try to remove any stagnant water on your property to prevent them from spawning in the future. Particularly tricky infestations may require the help of a specialist.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if mosquitos went extinct? Read here to find out!