What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?
WouterSeveral people confuse mosquitoes with larger bugs. But the truth is, mosquitoes are tiny. These biting insects vary in size from about one-fourth of an inch to three-quarters of an inch. They are commonly found in the U.S. There are approximately 150 different species of mosquitoes.
Some of the most common mosquitoes in the United States are the southern house mosquito and the Aedes aegypti mosquito. They are mainly found along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. The Aedes aegypti is very aggressive and can bite humans day and night. It is responsible for the transmission of dengue, West Nile, and malaria.
Adult mosquitoes have two wings, one of which is transparent. They are also covered with iridescent scales. Their long proboscises allow them to suck up blood and fluids from their hosts.
In addition to their body, mosquitoes have a tarsus at the end of their leg. This helps the insect stand up on water. Depending on the species, mosquitoes can live in a variety of aquatic habitats. They can adapt to standing water, puddles, and stagnant water.
A mosquito’s proboscis is a complex system of six thin, needle-like mouthparts. During the larva stage, they move in a unique wiggly manner. The head of the larva is large. It is connected to the thorax and the abdomen. The abdomen is a part of the respiratory and reproductive systems.
Adult mosquitoes are also distinguished by their long, narrow bodies and their three pairs of legs. They are also covered in iridescent scales and white stripes.
