The Size of a Mosquito
WouterGenerally, the size of a mosquito varies with the species and larval population density. However, there are exceptions. One of the largest known mosquitoes is 19 mm in length. Its abdomen can hold three times its own weight in blood.
In addition, the head is specialized for feeding and sensory information. It has long, many-segmented antennae. These antennae are important for odor detection.
The body of the adult mosquito is usually between 3 mm and 6 mm in length. The size of the adult is dependent on the food supply in the breeding water. Its development period is generally five to fourteen days. In tropical climates, it typically mates within a few days of its pupal stage.
Mosquitoes are in the family Culicidae. These insects are related to chironomid flies, crane flies, and midges.
They are the vectors of many diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. The majority of their life cycles are aquatic, but they can also breed in cupsped leaves and hollow tree trunks.
They are attracted to people with a high concentration of a specific molecule in their odor. The presence of other odorants can increase or decrease their attraction. It is unclear why certain people are more attracted to mosquitoes than others.
Biological control agents are often used to reduce the number of mosquitoes. Most are used against the larval stage of the insect. In rural areas, satellite imagery and ground truthing are used to identify potential breeding sites. Regular inspections of these sites are carried out from March through September.
