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mosquitoes

MOSQUITOES (CULICIDAE)

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that belong to the family Culicidae. These insects are known for their ability to feed on the blood of humans and animals, which is required for the females to produce eggs. Mosquitoes are infamous for spreading a variety of diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus, making them one of the deadliest animals on the planet in terms of human health impacts.

Characteristics Details Additional Notes
Common Name
Mosquito
Scientific Name
Culicidae
Includes over 3,500 species worldwide
Size
3-6 mm (0.1-0.2 inches)
Size varies slightly by species
Color
Pale brown to black; some species has white, silver, or iridescent markings
Color can vary based on species
Body Shape
Slender body with long, thin legs and narrow wings
Equipped with long proboscis for feeding
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → pupa → adult
Lifecycle duration depends on temperature and species (days to weeks)
Reproduction
Females lay up to 100-300 eggs at a time, typically on water surfaces
Females require a blood meal for egg production
Feeding Behavior
Females feed on blood from humans and animals; males feed on nectar
Females use their proboscis to pierce the skin and draw blood
Signs of Infestation
– Frequent bites, especially around ankles and exposed skin
– Buzzing sound in and around living areas
– Presence of standing water where mosquitoes breed
-Bites often result in itchy, red bumps
-Most active at dusk and dawn
-Puddles, birdbaths, or containers with stagnant water
Diseases Transmitted
– Malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever
Caused by pathogens transmitted through mosquito bites
Habitat
Prefer warm, humid environments; thrive in areas with stagnant water for breeding
Found globally, especially in tropical and subtropical regions
Behavior
Nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn); attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat
Prefer biting areas of thin skin (ankles, wrists)
Health Risks
– Mosquito-borne diseases pose severe health risks, especially in tropical and subtropical regions
Some diseases can be fatal (e.g., malaria, dengue fever)
Breeding Sites
– Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, including ponds, swamps, and water containers
Eggs can hatch within 24-48 hours, leading to rapid population growth
Lifespan
– Male mosquitoes live 5-7 days, while females can live 2-4 weeks
Females can survive longer, especially during hibernation in cold regions

Mosquito Life Stages:

  1. Eggs: Laid on water surfaces, usually hatch within 1-2 days.
  2. Larvae: Aquatic stage, also known as “wigglers,” feed on organic material in the water.
  3. Pupae: Non-feeding, aquatic stage known as “tumblers.” After a few days, they emerge as adult mosquitoes.
  4. Adults: Males primarily feed on nectar, while females require a blood meal for reproduction.

 

Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes:

  1. Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium parasites, spread by the Anopheles
  2. Dengue Fever: A viral infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, leading to high fever, pain, and sometimes life-threatening complications.
  3. Zika Virus: Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause birth defects in pregnant women.
  4. West Nile Virus: Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, causing flu-like symptoms or severe neurological complications in some cases.
  5. Yellow Fever: A viral disease spread by mosquitoes, leading to jaundice and, in severe cases, liver damage.

AEDES vs ANOPHELES vs CULEX

Characteristics Aedes Anopheles Culex
Common Species
Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus
Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi
Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus
Active Time
Primarily daytime (dawn and dusk)
Nighttime, with activity increasing after dusk
Nighttime, especially after dusk
Resting Position
Body positioned parallel to the surface
Body positioned at an angle (head down, rear up)
Body positioned parallel to the surface
Diseases Transmitted
Dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, yellow fever
Malaria
West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis
Breeding Sites
Clean water (e.g., flowerpots, tires)
Freshwater, often stagnant ponds, lakes
Polluted water (e.g., drains, ditches, septic tanks)
Appearance
Black with white stripes on legs and body
Brown with spotted or plain wings
Brown, often with dull-colored wings
Egg-Laying Behavior
Lay eggs on water surfaces or near moist areas that later flood
Lay eggs directly on water surfaces
Lay eggs in clusters (rafts) on water surfaces
Global Distribution
Primarily tropical and subtropical regions, expanding due to climate change
Tropical and subtropical regions
Found globally, especially in temperate and tropical areas

REFERENCES:

  • Becker, N., Petrić, D., et al. (2010). “Mosquitoes and Their Control.” Springer.
  • Clements, A. N. (1999). The Biology of Mosquitoes, Vol. 2. CABI Publishing.
  • World Health Organization (2023). Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Available at: who.int
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Mosquito-Borne Diseases.” cdc.gov
  • Pest Management Professionals. (2020). Mosquito Control Practices. National Pest Management Association.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Controlling Mosquitoes.” Available at: epa.gov
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). “Types of Mosquitoes.” Available at: cdc.gov
  • Goddard, J. (2016). The Public Health Effects of Mosquitoes. Mississippi State University Press.

 

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