Mosquito insect: types, brief description, photo
There are several types of mosquitoes, the most common of which are the following:
- Squeaker. This species is the most numerous. Its peculiarity is that it inhabits almost all corners of the planet. The squeak is small in size, females feed on blood, while males are content with plant food.
- Centipede. The peculiarity of this insect is its size; a mosquito can reach 6-7 cm in length. At the same time, long-legged mosquitoes are absolutely safe for humans and their health.
Mosquitoes
- Tropical mosquito species. This type of insect is distinguished by the fact that it poses a danger not only to health, but also to human life. It is these mosquitoes that carry the most terrible diseases.
- Dergun. The insect got its name because of the constantly twitching long legs that the mosquito puts aside while sitting on any surface. For people, as well as other animals, these representatives of the animal world are harmless.
Features of food for females
Females require blood - this can be explained by the need for animal protein contained in the lymph, without which it is not possible to form eggs after the mating procedure. Due to this reason, humans and mammals suffer from bites and attacks. There are species of mosquitoes that bite birds and reptiles.
When the skin is bitten, insect saliva is also injected into the microscopic hole, which contains anticoagulants - they prevent the blood from clotting and thickening, which is why the female can easily absorb liquid blood through her long proboscis. For hunting, females choose the evening and night time, when the scorching rays of the sun disappear.
Also, the saliva of bloodsuckers contains substances that cause allergies in humans. Therefore, the bite site is red, swollen, and severely itchy in the affected area. Antihistamines can be used to relieve unpleasant symptoms.
The common mosquito: where and how long does it live, what does it feed on in the forest, in the swamp?
This insect can also be found under the name “squeak mosquito”. If we talk about the scale on which these bloodsuckers are found, they are truly surprising.
- Squeakers are found throughout Europe. You can also find them in more remote areas of the Earth; they got there during the time of the Great Geographical Discoveries.
- If we talk about the terrain that peepers prefer, it is most often swamps and forests. Bloodsuckers choose this place for a reason, because they love humidity and warmth. It should also be noted that the common mosquito can live anywhere, provided that its food source, that is, a person, is nearby.
Common mosquito
- Regarding the nutrition of these insects, it must be said that only females drink blood, since it is this type of food that they need for procreation. Males prefer plant juices - this is their only food. The females of this insect, both in the forest and in the swamp, in the absence of humans, look for another source of blood. Often the source is other animals: frogs, birds, etc.
- The life of a mosquito is full of various challenges. Its lifespan depends on the environment and temperature at which the bloodsucker is located. It is important to say right away that females live 1.5-2 times longer than males. Generally speaking, females can live from 40 to 120 days, males are correspondingly 2 times less.
How to distinguish a female mosquito from a male: comparison, photo
Almost all animals of the same species differ from each other in the structural features of their bodies, depending on whether they are females or males, and mosquitoes are no exception.
- Mosquitoes have what are called “antennas”. So the main difference lies precisely in them. Males boast lush, thick antennae that resemble whiskers. They need them to hear better. The female does not have such beauty; her antennae are much smaller and practically invisible to the naked eye. In principle, she does not need them, since she does not need hearing, because she is not looking for a partner, but the partner is looking for her.
Female and male
- But the female has a well-developed oral apparatus, with the help of which she can bite the victim and thus provide herself with blood. The male has no need for this - he feeds exclusively on plant foods.
- Also, female squeakers have more developed sensory abilities. They need them to find a donor. As is already clear, male mosquitoes do not possess these abilities, since they do not need donors.
Let us conclude that the structure of the oral apparatus of a mosquito and a mosquito is different. This is due to the fact that the female needs to receive blood for reproduction, and for this she needs to initially bite the victim in order to bite through its skin. The male feeds exclusively on plant foods – plant juice, nectar of different flowers. Its oral apparatus is developed in such a way that it simply has no teeth. Therefore, only mosquitoes bite these insects.
Bite process
The way a mosquito bites is determined by its physiology. In the front of the insect's head there is a so-called piercing mouthparts. It is a long, sharp proboscis, similar to a stiletto. The proboscis is hollow inside. As soon as the bloodsucker finds a sufficiently convenient place, it attaches itself to an unprotected area of the body and pierces the skin. Usually the frontal surfaces of the hands, fingers, neck, face, and shoulders are attacked, since the skin here is thinner and is not covered by clothing.
During the bite, the mosquito injects a mixture of substances into the blood that have an anticoagulant and analgesic effect. This allows you to get enough blood so that the victim does not notice what is happening. Anticoagulants reduce the rate of blood clotting.
How many times a mosquito bites depends on the completeness of the feeding process. If startled, it may bite several times. Under normal conditions, we are talking about one single bite. The accumulated amount of blood is enough for the entire current reproductive cycle. And so on until next time.
Does a mosquito have a brain, a heart, what organs are there, how many teeth, what does a mosquito squeak, and does it breathe?
Mosquitoes, like any other living creatures, have a certain body structure and internal organs.
- Bloodsuckers have a heart, it is represented by a muscular tube. The blood of these insects is colorless.
- Regarding the brain, it must be said that it also exists. It is represented in mosquitoes by the suprapharyngeal ganglia. They are divided into 3 parts and form the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Each part of the brain performs its own functions.
- Many people wonder whether bloodsuckers have teeth. Mosquitoes have teeth, moreover, they play an incredibly important role in the life of this insect. After all, it is with the help of teeth that a mosquito bites through the donor’s skin. However, they have an unusual appearance for us - prickly bristles. An adult mosquito can have about 50 of them.
Structure of a mosquito
- The insect makes a squeak using nothing other than its wings. Due to the frequent flapping of thin wings, such a sound is formed that is unpleasant to our ears.
- Unlike people, all insects breathe using the trachea, and not the lungs, since they simply do not have the latter. The tracheas of bloodsuckers are represented by tubes through which air passes and which come out on the sides of the body with peculiar openings - spiracles.
- Generally speaking, these insects have a nervous system, oral apparatus, excretory organs, a heart and, accordingly, a circulatory system, genitals, and a respiratory system.
Body structure
The mosquito has a thin body, long thin legs, narrow wings and claws. The head, thorax and abdomen represent the basis of the mosquito's body.
The thorax section occupies an important place in the structure, which includes the elements of the mesothorax, prothorax and metathorax, and is the central organ of the insect.
The mosquito wing includes longitudinal and transverse veins, framed by a costal vein. The posterior edge of the wing is covered with fringe. The sound of a wing flapping is similar to its buzzing. When a mosquito flaps its wings, a person hears a mosquito squeak.
The weight of the mosquito is determined by the amount of diet consumed. The legs of mosquitoes are represented by the coxa, trochanter, femurs, tibiae and tarsi. The head consists of an antenna and mouthparts. The mouth has two lips, lower and upper.
How does a mosquito sleep in the summer, where does it hibernate, and at what temperature does it die?
The activity of a mosquito directly depends on the air temperature where the insect is located. When the temperature drops significantly, for example, at the beginning of autumn, the bloodsuckers disappear, since such a temperature is not suitable for them to reproduce.
- Insects overwinter where they live. Mosquitoes do not fly to another area, country, etc.
- Gaps, cracks in walls, secluded corners, windows, curtains - all these are ideal places for mosquitoes to hibernate.
- Mosquitoes do not disdain various non-residential buildings, such as sheds, garages, etc.
- It is important to note the fact that, in principle, mosquitoes do not need to sleep. If environmental conditions are suitable for it, it will actively continue its activities, reproduce and live.
Optimum temperature for mosquitoes +15-20°C
- High temperatures are more destructive for these insects. The higher the air temperature, the shorter the mosquito's life will be. As for low temperatures, bloodsuckers hibernate at above-zero temperatures, however, if the climate changes slightly and becomes colder, mosquitoes will simply go into their other state - torpor.
- The optimal temperature for the life of these insects is considered to be +15-20°C. It is difficult to say unambiguously what mark on the thermometer will indicate that mosquitoes will die at this temperature. However, temperatures of -7°C and above 28-30°C will have a negative effect on mosquitoes, as a result of which they may die.
Where do mosquitoes come from, how are they born and reproduce?
Initially, during the mating period, males look for their females. The thing is that mosquitoes make a squeaking sound with their wings, it differs from the sound that males make. Moreover, the males of these insects are very selective, since they prefer older females. They also determine the age of a female by the sound her wings make when flying.
- Next, the insects form a kind of swarm, and at this time the fertilization process itself occurs.
- After this, the mosquito begins to actively search for food, however, at this time it is exclusively interested in blood. Having received the required portion of food, the insect lays eggs.
- Larvae emerge from the laid eggs.
Life cycle of a mosquito
- After a certain time, pupae are formed from such larvae.
- In this state, the future insect continues to develop for some time. In just a couple of days, each pupa will mature into a fully viable insect - a mosquito.
Reproduction
The mosquito is capable of producing a sound, a kind of squeak, which, due to sound vibrations, is easily picked up by the male. Highly sensitive antennae help him in this.
Over time, the squeak sound of adults changes.
Reproduction takes place in a swarm formed by mosquitoes. The female lays about 20-160 eggs, the process lasts several days. The basis for the egg hatching process is the level of blood consumed by the female.
Egg laying mainly takes place on the soil near the shore, on objects floating in water bodies. To hatch offspring, moisture is needed; in water, the larvae resemble a raft in appearance.
The larva hatches after two days. The adult appears after a couple of weeks; there are cases when this period takes up to one month.
Mosquito larvae: what do they look like, what are they called?
Most often, mosquito larvae are called simply larvae, however, sometimes you can find another name - “bloodworm”. By bloodworm we mean the general name for the larvae of these insects, however, it may differ depending on the type of mosquito, etc.
- Bloodsucker larvae, as is already known, emerge from eggs laid by an adult.
- As a rule, mosquitoes lay eggs in damp places, in ponds, and containers with standing water. Accordingly, the larvae live in the same places.
The larva turns into a pupa
- Outwardly, the larva resembles only a small fish or a small worm that has been born.
Video
And in conclusion, an interesting documentary about one dangerous species of mosquito - “killer mosquitoes”.
Author: Pavel Chaika, editor-in-chief of Poznavaika magazine
When writing the article, I tried to make it as interesting, useful and high-quality as possible. I would be grateful for any feedback and constructive criticism in the form of comments on the article. You can also write your wish/question/suggestion to my email [email protected] or Facebook, with respect, the author.
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This article is available in English -
Mosquito.
How dangerous are mosquitoes, why is it necessary to fight mosquitoes?
By themselves, as animals, mosquitoes, in principle, are not particularly dangerous, however, these insects are carriers of serious illnesses.
- These bloodsuckers are primarily dangerous because they carry diseases such as malaria. It is important to understand that this disease is transmitted only by malaria mosquitoes.
- Also, bloodsuckers can “give” a person, by biting him, various types of fevers.
- In addition, insects are carriers of encephalitis, a serious disease that is very dangerous not only for health, but also for human life.
- Mosquitoes can also carry some infectious diseases.
Can mosquitoes carry diseases, HIV, hepatitis C?
Today you can hear information that these insects are capable of transmitting a disease such as hepatitis. Scientists have conducted a number of studies, their results are as follows:
- It is almost impossible to become infected with this particular disease.
- The viruses of this disease “live” in the blood, and when a mosquito bites its victim, it injects it exclusively with its saliva.
- The insect's mouthparts are designed in such a way that blood can only be sucked inwards, after which the bloodsucker cannot throw it out.
- The same situation occurs with HIV. Moreover, this insect simply will not be able to transmit the required amount of virus to a person for infection.
- Regarding other diseases that were described earlier, things are different. Mosquitoes can easily infect the people they bite with them.
Habitats
Almost all mosquitoes prefer warm, humid environments, including the tropics. However, we will never meet them in the Arctic and Antarctica.
The most dangerous individuals for humans live in India, Thailand, China and South America. To visit these countries, tourists are recommended to be vaccinated.
A lot of mosquitoes can be found in Thailand. Mostly malarial, tiger and centipede mosquitoes live there. Before visiting the country, it is recommended to get vaccinated.
The so-called “Crimean” mosquito lives in Crimea, settles in basements, and is capable of carrying dangerous infections.
The most popular mosquito in the world is the common mosquito. It can be found wherever people live, because... human plasma is its main source of nutrients necessary for reproduction.
What will happen if mosquitoes disappear?
If you think about this issue and try to comprehend it globally, you can come to the conclusion that the complete disappearance of certain species of animals may occur.
- Since mosquitoes are the food of many animals, if they disappear completely, these species will also die out.
- Moreover, these insects will be replaced by others that will multiply even faster and cause even greater harm to nature and humans. For example, various types of midges and ticks.
- We can also say that mosquitoes perform a protective function. It is precisely because these insects have infested the jungles and many forests that this area is not exposed to human influence. The development of these territories by humans will lead to an increase in the population on the planet and, accordingly, to a shortage of all the most important resources.
- In addition to the animal world, the plant world will also suffer, because if these insects are gone, then there will simply be no one to pollinate some flowers and plants.
Precautionary measures
While male mosquitoes are not dangerous to humans, female mosquitoes can be a serious nuisance. It is believed that a healthy person is theoretically able to withstand up to 500 bites from these insects. A larger amount can cause death due to painful shock and intoxication. However, even a few stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
To protect yourself, you should know that mosquitoes do not tolerate heat well and prefer to hunt in the shade or in the evening. They do not like windy weather and open areas of space, as they are easily blown away by air flow. It is better to protect your home with mosquito nets on the windows. Loose clothing significantly reduces the number of bites. Mosquitoes do not like the smell of anise, eucalyptus, wheatgrass, elderberry, lavender, and mint.
Excessive sweating makes a person more “attractive” and noticeable. Ultrasonic repellers that emit vibrations at waves that are “unpleasant” for insects, as well as fumigators that release chemical reagents, can help. Some drive away uninvited guests, others kill them. Topical application of repellents to the skin is also relevant.
Salicylic or boric alcohol, a solution of soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, and calendula tincture help to some extent relieve itching and swelling after bites. If you are predisposed to allergic reactions, it is better to have special antihistamines with you.
Malarial, common mosquito, mosquito: comparison, similarities, differences, photos
Many types of mosquitoes are very similar to each other, which is why we often confuse them.
- Malaria mosquito. This insect has fairly long legs and a proboscis. If we compare these insects with ordinary mosquitoes, they have some differences. The legs of the malarial bloodsucker are much longer, as is its proboscis, compared to the limbs of the squeak.
- Mosquitoes are insects that, in principle, are similar to ordinary mosquitoes, however, they differ from the latter in the environment in which they develop and live. The similarity of these bloodsuckers is that they feed not only on plant foods, but also on blood.
- At the same time, malaria mosquitoes and mosquitoes are dangerous for people, because they carry various ailments and infections. While an ordinary squeak does not pose such a danger.
Meaning in human life
Globally, mosquitoes are beneficial. They pollinate plants, transport many valuable microelements, and are the main food for some organisms. The disappearance of these insects will cause significant harm to nature. However, for people they are only a source of unpleasant bites and a threat in terms of the spread of dangerous diseases.
Mosquito statue
Interesting fact : Canadians erected a monument to a mosquito in the city of Komarno. It is not only the fact that there is a monument to the insect that is surprising, but also its dimensions – the wingspan of the statue is 5 meters.
A mosquito with long legs: what is it called, does it bite?
These insects, which are huge compared to ordinary mosquitoes, instill fear in almost all people. Are they really dangerous?
- This insect is called a caramora or simply a long-legged mosquito .
- These insects are distributed almost everywhere, with the exception of places where it is constantly very cold.
- Regarding the danger that Karamora can bring, the following must be said: it simply does not exist. This mosquito does not have the necessary structure of the oral cavity to carry out any biting actions.
Long-legged mosquito
- The proboscis, which we can see with the naked eye, only gives the insect the opportunity to feed on plant food, and the length and size of the body are just the characteristics of this mosquito.
Feeding characteristics of males
The peculiarities of the diet of males make them absolutely harmless insects for humans, since throughout their entire lives they eat only plant foods.
Substances that are necessary for their short-term life are accumulated by the body during the larval stage. Their oral apparatus is characterized by the absence of cutting elements.
At what altitude do mosquitoes fly, to what floor do they reach?
Sometimes it seems that these squeaking bloodsuckers are simply ubiquitous. Despite the small size of its body, this insect is capable of rising quite high in the air and pestering even residents of high-rise buildings.
- Despite such encounters with mosquitoes, they themselves do not fly too high of their own free will. Mostly these insects rise above the ground only a few meters.
- However, drafts and wind can lift such a small insect much higher than 2-3 m. If we are talking about the presence of these creatures on the upper floors of, for example, a 9-story building, then it is worth saying the following: they get there mainly not through the open air, but through ventilation hatches, etc.
Mosquitoes fly high only when there is wind
- During such flights, the insect rests several times, clinging to surfaces. This is how mosquitoes can reach the highest floors.
- There is information that this insect was found on the 54th floor of the building.
Interesting facts about mosquitoes
Despite the fact that few people like mosquitoes, their lives are full of interesting things. And if we consider these insects not as bloodsuckers, then the interest in them will be much stronger.
- Mosquitoes have a unique daily routine. During the day, these creatures rest, hiding not only from the bright rays of the sun, but also from other animals that feed on them.
- There is information that this is exactly the number of mosquitoes – 1,200,000 – needed to drink all the blood from a person.
- Many people do not know the fact that only female mosquitoes drink blood and bite, however, this is true.
- Initially, mosquitoes were called flies, in principle, like all other dipterous insects.
- Mosquitoes are able to smell prey at a distance of several tens of meters.
As you can see, mosquitoes are not only constantly disturbing squeaking creatures. These insects benefit both humans and all living nature. Moreover, the death of these insects will lead to irreversible processes, so it is impossible to deliberately exterminate them.
