How High Can Mosquitoes Fly in India?
WouterSeveral studies have shown that the mosquito population in India has increased. This has raised concerns about the impact of the mosquitoes on society. The rise in number of high-rises with common garbage dumping areas has led to the development of more breeding grounds. It also increases the possibility of the mosquitoes carrying diseases.
Some of the mosquitoes are capable of flying more than 40 miles. In addition to their ability to fly in the air, some of them can “hitch rides” on luggage, equipment, and other objects. In fact, some species prefer to breed on taller structures.
Some species can travel a long distance for food. The distance depends on environmental conditions, species adaptations, and physiological state. However, most mosquitoes do not travel very far from their breeding grounds.
In some places, malaria-bearing mosquitoes can travel hundreds of kilometers. Some can even cross continents. They can ride the winds in the Sahara’s semi-deserts.
Some species can breed as low as 2000 feet underground in the mines. Others can fly up to 8,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas.
The dengue-spreading Aedes Aegypti can fly up to 50 feet above the ground. It can also fly on planes. It can lay up to 300 eggs at a time. It can survive in water for a year.
Although most mosquito species do not bite humans, the Aedes Aegypti is the primary carrier of dengue fever. It can lay up to five lifetimes of eggs. The female mosquito will take a blood meal before flying. It uses its sense of smell to locate the target. Its wings vibrate 300-600 times per second.
