Mosquitoes are a class of dipterous insects, a group of long-whiskered insects. It is customary to distinguish two subfamilies: each of them is divided into tribes, genera and species.
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Structure of a mosquito
A mosquito can be recognized by certain features of its body and structure:
- The insect has a thin body that reaches a width of 4 to 14 mm;
- Long legs;
- Transparent wings that can flap up to 5-30 mm;
- The color depends on the specific type of insect, but most often it is yellow, gray or brown. Sometimes green and black insects are found.
Structure of a mosquito
The structure of a mosquito's proboscis
The mosquito's elongated abdomen is divided into 10 segments, but the thoracic part is much wider than the body. There are claws at the end of the legs, and small scales can be seen on the wings themselves. You may also notice small spots in some dense areas.
You can also see special antennae on mosquitoes, which are segmented into 15 parts. The structure of the oral apparatus is the same in both females and males, but there are still some differences. In females, the proboscis is longer and sharper (it has piercing bristles).
You can see special antennae on mosquitoes
It is interesting that females are visually much larger than males, but their weight is very small - it reaches only 1 gram. If such an insect falls into the web of a spider, the latter will not even feel it.
The structural features of the oral apparatus distinguish mosquitoes from other representatives of the blood-sucking species. They have an upper and lower lip, and the elongated shape forms a special case where the jaws are located. Their teeth are small and sharp - more like files.
How long do mosquitoes live?
If we consider females and males of this species separately, the former live much longer. On average, a male mosquito lives a cycle of 17-19 days, but female mosquitoes can live 40-120 days. Much depends on the air temperature and other external factors. It is also necessary to take into account the lifestyle of each insect: males feed on plant foods, so they are practically not in danger, but females run the risk of being killed by animals or people, since they need to drink blood in order to give birth to strong offspring.
Female mosquitoes can live 40-120 days
Distribution of mosquitoes in the world
Now mosquitoes are distributed almost throughout the globe, but specific species choose certain regions that are favorable for their further reproduction. It all depends on the specific species. However, you can find the common mosquito everywhere, since it lives in almost any territory. For him, the main thing is the availability of power sources (human). They choose a territory based on several factors:
- Air temperature;
- High humidity;
- Illumination;
- Availability near power sources;
- No dangerous predators nearby.
Mosquitoes in the field
Where do mosquitoes live and winter?
The peculiarity of mosquitoes is that they can adapt to any environmental conditions. If representatives of the species live in tropical forests, they will be active throughout the whole year. And in the temperate zone during the winter, these insects can hibernate (it is also called “diapause”) - at this time all processes in the body become slower.
Mosquitoes in hibernation
If we are talking about Arctic mosquitoes, then they lead an active life only for a few weeks a year - at the same time, they reproduce much more actively than their relatives. During this short period, when the temperature begins to rise, the upper layers of ice begin to melt. At this point, mosquitoes begin to feed on large animals.
If the female laid eggs in a temperate climate, then the offspring that were born in this zone can tolerate even the most unfavorable conditions - they can even survive snow and low air temperatures. Moreover, they can even float on water without freezing at low temperatures.
Sometimes adult individuals choose warm rooms and basements for themselves, where they can wait out the winter - such places are usually humid, and the air temperature is quite high and stable. In the wild, females can hide in a hole in another animal, climb under a log, or find other shelter in the natural environment.
Who are bloodworms?
A separate category includes bloodworms, which are called bells, chironomids or dolguns. Another name is the squeak mosquito, which in its larval stage looks like a worm. Their squad is located near the bottom of a container or a reservoir with standing water.
Within 1.5-2 weeks, the size of the bloodworm increases significantly (up to 16 mm). Those bloodworms that live on the lake bottom consume microorganisms, as well as silt deposits. In order for oxygen to enter the body, blood-sucking insects use gill filaments. Some of the oxygen also enters through the body of the pest. These bloodworms have a deep red hue. This is because there is a huge amount of hemoglobin in the body. Since the body is saturated with iron, bloodworms also endure prolonged oxygen deficiency.
When mosquitoes appear and disappear
Most often, mosquitoes hibernate during the cold season, and wake up when it warms up. In some species, the larvae first wait out the cold season, and in the spring they begin to actively hatch. The most optimal temperature for their life is 10 degrees Celsius. As the air temperature rises, insects become much more active, which is why the peak of their lives occurs in the summer season.
It is difficult to find mosquitoes even at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. At this time, species that are preparing for wintering seek shelter for this period. As soon as the first frosts arrive, mosquitoes completely disappear. Since the territory of Russia includes a large number of natural zones and zones, the appearance and disappearance of mosquitoes can occur at different times - everything depends on the specific region. In the southern parts of the country they become active in March, in the north they wake up only in June. The duration of the life cycle is also determined by the region of their residence.
Mosquito feeding
Mosquitoes have several food sources, which depend not only on the specific type of insect, but also on its gender:
- Males feed exclusively on plant juices and nectars;
- After fertilization, females suck blood from living creatures.
The need to suck blood from animals is due to several factors: some species of mosquitoes do this in order to lay healthy offspring and survive after laying eggs. For some, the amount of blood consumed affects the number of eggs produced in the clutch.
Feeding process of a female mosquito
As a result, mosquitoes have two complete sources of nutrients: blood and plants. In any case, due to them, mosquitoes receive energy and carbohydrates, which are necessary for their further development. Blood is a powerful source of vitality for females, as it contains large amounts of proteins and lipids. When producing eggs, protein is essential.
Females choose warm-blooded vertebrates (birds and mammals, including humans) as hosts. Some species of mosquitoes can feed on fish and reptiles.
Role in biocenosis
Bloodworms occupy a significant place in the biocenosis. Many reptiles, fish, as well as birds and other insects feed on them. Experienced aquarists are interested in this product. To do this, they visit specialized and zoological stores. Small insects and bloodworms are consumed by hedgehogs, small crustaceans, seagulls and toads. Scientists have identified a certain type of fish (gambuzi). This phenotype feeds on bloodworms of various blood-sucking species. They eat other food if there are no larvae available. Aquarists use this information to adjust population sizes.
How a mosquito bites
To begin with, the mosquito tries to find its victim using its sense of smell. This is where the receptors that are located on his mustache come into play - there are about 72 types. Half of them can identify substances that are released in human or animal sweat. They can also determine the movement of an object. When a mosquito approaches, a buzzing sound is heard, which is produced by the rapid flapping of its wings. Peak mosquito activity occurs at night. The hunt for prey occurs as follows:
- The female discovers the victim and clings to the skin with her claws;
- With the help of its jaws, it pierces the skin and plunges the proboscis;
- Then the female injects her saliva, which contains special coagulant substances that are responsible for slowing down blood clotting;
- The proboscis, immersed in the victim, reaches the capillaries;
- With its help, it begins to absorb blood, which is the source of energy.
How a mosquito bites
How many times can the same mosquito bite?
There are no restrictions on the bites a mosquito can inflict. Usually, the female tries to draw as much blood as possible in one bite. The further process proceeds as follows:
- If something prevented the mosquito from getting the required amount of blood, then it flies away for a while, and then can return to the victim again;
- If the female is fed up, then she needs a period of time to completely digest the nutrients and lay eggs;
- After this, the female begins to hunt down the next victim.
Scientists have found that on average, such an insect can bite about 15 times in one day, and the female herself can make 2-3 such cycles, which include fertilization, collecting nutrients from the blood and laying eggs.
What do they eat
Blood-sucking insects eat a variety of substances and components that they can process. Most often, the larva eats microorganisms concentrated in water. Since the individual lives in stagnant water, there are no problems with nutrition. Blood-sucking insects feed on plants in the water and rotting particles. They enter the body during fluid pumping. Some motels feed on the larvae of other mosquito species. Scientists have more accurate information about what a young individual eats as it goes through the molting stage.
Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?
You've most likely noticed that some people are bitten by mosquitoes much more often. This is really not a coincidence. When choosing a victim, insects are guided by specific chemicals that are released along with sweat. Mosquitoes are attracted by the following factors:
- Doing physical activity. Here, mosquitoes pay attention to the increase in the amount of lactic acid in the body, so they actively react to people engaged in physical exercise.
- Specific blood type. Most often, mosquitoes fly to blood group 1, since it has a special smell that attracts mosquitoes.
- Alcohol. If a person has been drinking, the presence of alcohol in the blood attracts the insect.
- Large amounts of carbon dioxide. When exhaling, some groups of people release much more carbon dioxide from their lungs, which mosquitoes notice. Most often these are pregnant women, tall people, and overweight people.
- Dark shades in clothes.
Methods for controlling larvae
Traditional methods
Mosquitoes are very sensitive to smells. A person, hearing the smell of cinnamon, instantly imagines delicious buns. We don’t know what mosquitoes think about, but the cinnamon scent scares them.
Here is a list of such smells:
- bird cherry;
- elder;
- needles;
- geranium;
- citruses;
- garlic;
- cinnamon;
- carnation.
We mentioned folk remedies solely for the maximum disclosure of the topic. In real conditions, just imagine how you fill a 100 square meter pond with cinnamon and tangerines. If this scares anyone, it will be your neighbors.
Another ancient method (the so-called oiling method) is to pour kerosene or gasoline into a pond. At first the kerosene will sink, but after a while it will rise to the surface, forming a thin oily film. It will deprive pupae and larvae (and anyone living in the water) of the ability to breathe. True, the smell will be such that you won’t want to breathe either.
Meaning in human life
If we consider mosquitoes on a global level, they benefit all living things. They contribute to plant pollination, are carriers of beneficial microelements, and also serve as food for a large number of animals and fish. If mosquitoes disappear completely, it could negatively impact all wildlife. If we talk about people, then here they cause more harm: they cause itchy bites, and also increase the likelihood of contracting one of the dangerous diseases.
Why does a mosquito bite itch?
Itching in humans after a mosquito bite occurs due to the saliva secreted by the female. It contains a protein that causes an allergic reaction, and with it redness of the skin, swelling and itching.
Allergy to mosquito bite
There are cases when, after the first bite, a person does not feel such symptoms, because the body has not yet managed to recognize this protein. Scientists have also found that with a large number of bites, the body simply gets used to the substance, and the person stops noticing them. If a person has an increased level of sensitivity, a serious allergic reaction may develop.
Why are mosquitoes dangerous for humans?
Despite the fact that most people are accustomed to the proximity of these insects, in fact they pose a danger to humans. It's not just about the bites, but about the diseases that mosquitoes carry. The most dangerous species are those that are common in Africa, Asia and America. As an example, it is worth noting one of the most dangerous diseases - malaria. A specific species of mosquito transmits this disease to humans and is found in tropical forests.
Dangerous mosquitoes
What does it eat?
The mosquito larva feeds on organic, nutritious substances. They can eat what the body can process. They will be happy to consume microorganisms that live in water.
There is enough food in fresh water bodies. They contain a huge number of different microorganisms, organic substances, and vegetation. One individual can strain 1 liter of water per day.
Mosquito larvae feed on small particles of rotted vegetation that is present at the bottom. But there are also predatory species - Anopheles barberi. They feed on the larvae of other mosquito species.
The larvae are able to continuously pass water through their mouthparts. There is a special filtration system that allows you to capture useful components.
Mosquito-borne diseases
If we consider the diseases that mosquitoes can carry, the list becomes quite long. Mosquitoes spread parasites, viruses and pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, the insects themselves do not suffer from the diseases they carry. Here is a brief list of the most dangerous diseases transmitted by mosquitoes:
- Malaria is a serious parasitic disease. Approximately 220 million people a year suffer from this disease;
- Infectious tularemia;
- In the eastern United States, eastern equine encephalitis can be contracted from insects;
- West Nile Virus is also common in the United States;
- Yellow fever and other viral diseases transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito;
- Filariasis;
- There is a small chance of HIV transmission.
Types of mosquitoes, photos and names
There are currently about 3,600 species in the mosquito family. Of these, the following types are considered the most common:
- Squeak mosquito. This is the most common type of mosquito at the moment. The size of an adult individual is on average 3-7 mm (females are larger than males). They mainly feed on plant foods, but during the period of fertilization, females need blood.
Squeaker mosquito
- Malaria mosquito. Has more developed hind legs and antennae. Lives in places with high humidity. This type of mosquito can be a carrier of dangerous viral diseases.
Malaria mosquito
- Mosquito - Long-legged. It is large in size (about 8 cm), but is absolutely safe for people and animals since its diet includes only plant foods. Lives in residential areas, ponds and swamps.
Centipede
- Winter mosquitoes. They have long legs and body. The peak activity of these mosquitoes occurs in spring and late autumn. Sometimes they can be found in winter.
Winter mosquitoes
2. Mosquitoes are very ancient creatures, they appeared on the planet about a hundred million years ago, and have changed little since then.
3. They are found on all continents except Antarctica, where there are no insects at all.
4. In hot countries, mosquitoes are a big threat as they carry many nasty diseases, including the deadly dengue fever.
5. Fortunately, many other creatures reduce the mosquito population to tolerable limits - for example, many reptiles and small birds feed on them.
6. These annoying “vampires” cause a lot of inconvenience to animals.
7.With all this, mosquitoes play an important role in the ecosystem, which is why their extermination can lead to dire consequences.
8. Currently, about 3,600 different species of mosquitoes are known.
9. The average length of a mosquito's body is about 12 millimeters. However, according to scientists, these creatures were once 4 times larger.
10. The largest species of mosquitoes, caramors, reach a length of 10 centimeters.
11. When the air temperature is below +12 degrees, mosquitoes no longer fly - it’s too cold for them.
12. These insects are so small that they can fly between raindrops for an average of 5 minutes.
MOSQUITO ON HUMAN SKIN
13.Wind is a problem for mosquitoes because their own weight is very small.
14. Throughout their entire lives, mosquitoes rarely move further than a few kilometers from their place of birth.
15. Some types of mosquitoes are able to feed on the blood of reptiles and even fish.
16. Only females suck blood from their victims. They need plasma to bear offspring. But male mosquitoes feed only on plant nectar and water, like butterflies.
17. A half-naked person attacked by these insects in the taiga or tundra can lose half of all his blood and die in a few hours.
18. According to scientists, it would take about 1.3 million mosquitoes to drink all the blood of a person.
19.Female mosquitoes bite women more often than men, with preference given to blondes.
20. Scientists have found that mosquitoes prefer to bite sweatier people. They choose their prey by the smell of its body and exhaled carbon dioxide.
21. The more protein in the blood, the more attractive they are to mosquitoes, so more often than other mosquitoes they attack those with the first blood group.
22. Recent studies have shown that mosquitoes are more likely to land on people who have recently eaten bananas.
23. Due to their low weight, mosquitoes are able to fearlessly walk along the web without attracting the attention of spiders.
24. Male mosquitoes prefer older females rather than young ones.
25. The life of male mosquitoes lasts no more than two weeks, while females can live longer than a month.
26. A mosquito squeak is the sound made by the fluttering wings of this insect.
27.Mosquitoes communicate with each other using squeaks. They do not hear sound, but they detect sound vibrations with the help of antennae.
28. Mosquitoes can walk on water without fear. Well, relatively fearlessly - some fish are not averse to hunting them.
29. Unlike most insect species, mosquitoes have only two wings.
30.When meeting the opposite sex, mosquitoes synchronize the flapping of their wings.
31. A female mosquito lays from 30 to 150 eggs.
MOSQUITO BREEDING
32. From the moment the mosquito hatches from the egg until it fully matures, only 4 days pass.
33. Mosquito eggs can lie in the ground for several years, waiting for favorable conditions for the birth of larvae.
34. During mating games, male mosquitoes gather in a swarm after sunset in full view of the females.
35. Medium-sized mosquitoes are generally preferred because they can stay in the air longer.
36. Mosquito saliva contains substances that anesthetize the bite site and thin the victim’s blood. They are the cause of severe itching after a bite.
37. Mosquitoes have teeth! About fifty, depending on the species.
38. Tiny suction cups located on their legs help mosquitoes stay on vertical surfaces.
39. Mosquitoes are carriers of serious diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, encephalitis and yellow fever.
40. A well-fed mosquito weighs 2-2.5 times heavier than a hungry one.
41. Mosquitoes are peculiar “werewolves”; during the full moon their activity increases by 500%.
42. In the absence of a potential victim, even female mosquitoes can temporarily retrain as vegetarians, feeding on nectar and pollen.
43. These insects are also attracted to the smell of alcohol.
44. Mosquitoes have infrared vision, which means they can navigate perfectly at night.
45. Singapore is the only country where they have completely gotten rid of mosquitoes.
THE LARGEST MOSQUITO MONUMENT IN THE WORLD IN CANADA IN THE TOWN OF KOMARNO
46. In the Canadian town of Komarno, the world's largest monument to a mosquito was erected - the wingspan of the insect statue is 5 meters.
47. An experiment conducted in the Canadian tundra showed that a person with a naked torso and limbs is bitten by about 9 thousand mosquitoes in an hour.
48. Some types of mosquitoes are able to freeze in thick ice during the winter, and thaw in the spring without any consequences for their body.
49. Hungry individuals can travel more than 60 kilometers in search of food, which they can smell within 50 meters.
50. Male mosquitoes, carrying pollen on their legs, contribute to the process of plant pollination.
photo from the Internet
Mosquito breeding
With the help of her wings, the female makes a squeak, which attracts males for mating. Males pick up these signals with the help of antennae located on them. Also, the sound largely depends on the age of the female - males flock to the sound of more mature females. Mating itself takes place in a swarm, which is formed by male mosquitoes. After fertilization, females begin to look for prey in order to get enough blood from it. After this she lays eggs. Further, the life cycle of mosquitoes consists of 4 stages:
- Egg;
The process of laying eggs
- Larva;
Mosquito larvae in a puddle
- Pupa;
Pupa stage
- Imago is an adult individual.
Adult stage
The important point is to find an area where the female can lay eggs. Most often, she chooses a stagnant body of water with an optimal water temperature. In some cases it may be wet soil. After laying eggs, mosquito larvae hatch within 2 days.
Where do they live?
The female mosquito carefully selects a place for subsequent egg laying. To determine where blood-sucking mosquitoes lay their eggs, the habitat is studied. Particular attention is paid to the following factors:
- Are nutritional ingredients available?
- Temperature of standing water in the tank.
- Degree of illumination.
In order for the bloodworm to appear and develop, females choose containers and reservoirs in which the water is stagnant. The liquid must contain microorganisms and shelters. Acceptable temperature conditions are maintained at 25-35 degrees. Reservoirs that are large in size are not used for laying, as there are predators and other dangers here. Therefore, such places are not checked to find out where mosquito larvae live.
Although blood-sucking pests do not have any special requirements for places of existence, they never live in water that is excessively polluted. For laying, places that are filled with petroleum products are not chosen, since they have a detrimental effect on the speed of development. Bloodworms and adult insects cannot breathe normally through the film present on the surface. The only exception is species that use dissolved oxygen.
Blood-sucking insects also differ in their respiratory system. Some species go outside to get the required portion of oxygen, others just need the air in the water. By the way, almost all species overwinter at the larval stage in a container or reservoir where the water does not freeze. Some varieties have a preference for soil or aquatic environments.
Enemies of mosquitoes
Most mosquito larvae and adults do not survive the entire life cycle, since a large number of natural enemies of these insects are found in nature. At the same time, the danger for them remains regardless of the stage of residence. Most often they are food for the following species:
- Fish;
- Birds;
- Amphibians;
- Frogs;
- Lizards, etc.
The main enemy of mosquitoes
Due to such a number of enemies, mosquitoes actively reproduce, but most of their offspring quickly die. Due to this, it is possible to maintain the natural balance in the fauna.
Blood-sucking insects in the house
Squeaker and other species are born and develop in water. This is why mosquitoes do not like drought and also do not tolerate lack of moisture. This feature can be used if it is necessary to remove bloodworms and adults from an apartment or house. To poison mosquito larvae, you can use chemical insecticides and drugs, as well as folk remedies, from which they die. To purchase them, you need to contact specialized stores. Since the drugs come with detailed instructions, there will be no problems with removal. All a person needs to do is study the features and do everything correctly.
