How Big Can Mosquitoes Get?
WouterDepending on the species, the life cycle of a mosquito can last from five to fourteen days. In tropical regions, the development period may last for forty days. In waterless regions, the development period can be delayed to as long as two weeks.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector of dengue and yellow fever in North America and South America. It also transmits the heartworm disease to dogs and birds.
The Asian Tiger mosquito is a large, black-and-white-striped mosquito that is found throughout most of the tropical region. It is more aggressive than the Aedes aegypti, and is a potential carrier of other diseases. It has been reported in North Carolina after Hurricane Florence. It is more likely to be found in areas where there is a high amount of humidity and heavy rains.
The female elephant mosquito, commonly known as the Psorophora ciliata, lays eggs in rock indentations and tree holes. These eggs are then spread across areas that are likely to flood. The larvae feed on Anopheles mosquitoes, which is why these mosquitoes are sometimes called the “elephant” mosquito. They also feed on frogs and reptiles.
The supersized skeeter, or swarmer, is a large, aggressive mosquito that has been recorded in eastern United States. It is about the size of a dime and emerges after heavy rainfall or floods.
The mosquitoes are members of the family Culicidae, which means gnat or midge. The species that are part of the family can range from 0.1 to 0.4 inches long.
