Mosquito
Mosquitoes are small flying insects in the family Culicidae, found in most parts of the world.
Mosquitoes are small flying insects in the family Culicidae, found in most parts of the world. Only female mosquitoes bite people and other animals for blood, and some species can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.
What it is
Mosquitoes are slender insects with one pair of wings and a long proboscis adapted for piercing and sucking. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Over 3,700 species exist worldwide, and they are absent only from Antarctica.
Why it matters
A small fraction of mosquito species transmit human disease, but those species are major public-health vectors. Mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and filariasis. In Canada, mosquitoes are common and can spread West Nile virus, affecting outdoor activity planning.
Key details
Only female mosquitoes bite to obtain blood for egg production; males feed on plant juices. Mosquitoes are closely associated with standing water, where many species lay eggs. They locate hosts using movement, body heat, carbon dioxide, and other chemical cues.
In short
- Only female mosquitoes bite; males feed on plant juices.
- Over 3,700 species worldwide; absent from Antarctica.
- Can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue.
- Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Mosquitoes are common across Canada, where some species can bite people and some can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, making them relevant to public health and outdoor activity planning. [1][7]
Quick questions
What is a mosquito?
Do all mosquitoes bite?
What diseases can mosquitoes spread?
Sources
- CDC — https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.htmlSupports: Mosquitoes are common flying insects; over 3,700 types worldwide; only females bite; mosquitoes can spread pathogens; adults live about 2 to 4 weeks.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/mosquito-insectSupports: Mosquitoes are family Culicidae; approximately 3,500 species; disease transmission; global distribution.
- American Mosquito Control Association — https://www.mosquito.org/fun-facts/Supports: Species count; host-seeking behaviour; flight speed; historical occurrence.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/mosquitoesSupports: Common name, classification, size, lifespan, and female biting behaviour.
- State of Utah education resource — https://www.sslvmad.utah.gov/educationSupports: Only females bite; males feed on plant juices; mosquitoes need water to complete life cycle; widespread distribution.