There are a variety of species that you may come upon. They've been around for millions of years, so it's safe to assume that every living species has come across them.
Mosquitoes have buzzed in everyone's ear or left itchy bites on their bodies. Did you realize, however, that only the female bites you? You should be concerned because they can spread diseases including malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, West Nile, and the newly discovered Zika virus.
Culex Mosquito
Color: The main body is brown. The proboscis, thorax, wings, and tarsi are darker than the rest of the body, whereas, the head is light brown
Legs: 6
Size: 4-10mm
Identifying Characteristics: The Culex Mosquito prefers to bite at dawn or after dusk. It is known as the common house mosquito
Characteristics of this insect:
- Culex Mosquitoes lay their eggs in small bodies of standing water, such as, buckets, puddles, pools and ditches
- The Culex Mosquito in not considered much of a threat to our health as other mosquito species, such as the Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. However the Culex can still transmit a number of diseases that can be potentially fatal to humans. They have known to contribute to the spreading of West Nile Virus, filariasis, and encephalitis
- The Culex Mosquito lives from 10 to 14 days, however, a female can lay 100 to 300 eggs at one time
- Removing objects that collect water on your property and applying mosquito repellent will help lower the likelihood of disease
Anopheles Mosquito
Color: dark brown to black
Legs: 6
Size: 3.18mm to 19.5mm
Identifying Characteristics: Adult females lay about 50 to 200 eggs at a time, Anopheles lay their eggs individually instead of in groups that are “glued” together. The eggs float on the surface of the water
Characteristics of this insect:
- The Anopheles mosquito is also known as the Malaria Mosquito for being the primary vector of the disease. The mosquito also transmits heartworms in dogs
- Anopheles mosquitoes bite primarily from dusk to dawn. They may bite during the daylight hours if the area is dark or shaded
- Adult Anopheles can be recognized by their resting position. Both males and females rest with their abdomens sticking up in the air, perpendicular to the surface
Aedes Mosquito
Color: White and black striped body
Legs: 6
Size: A small to medium-sized mosquito, approximately 4 to 7mm. Females are larger than males
Identifying Characteristics: Take a look at the standing water in your yard or in your house. Standing water is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes- typically placing their eggs and larvae there
Characteristics of this insect:
- The larvae position is a common characteristic of the Aedes mosquito. The larvae hangs at a specific angle to the water surface.
- They also have a unique standing position. They stand with a straight body, parallel to the surface
- Aedes mosquitoes typically bite during the day versus the night
- Aedes mosquitoes have been known to transmit viruses and diseases such as: dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile fever, chikungunya, eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika virus
Click the mosquito and we’re there!
Mosquitos Are The Real Life
Vampires
They are just like family ; annoying, but they carry your blood.