Introduction
Mosquitoes are small but mighty. Not only do these pesky organisms likely get the top spot for insects most people would rather avoid, but they also have some interesting facts that might make you think twice about these buzzing, blood-sucking bumps in the night. From their amazing ability to withstand even Arctic temperatures, to the fact that they have even been used in medical treatments, here are .
Fact 1
Mosquitoes make up a category of insect that contains more than 3,500 species, making them one of the largest groups of insect in the world.
Fact 2
Male mosquitoes don’t bite humans. They feed on nectar from flowers and some other sugary substances. Females, on the other hand, do bite humans for the bloodmeal they need to reproduce.
Fact 3
Mosquitoes can fly in up to 1.5 miles per hour speeds. That may
not sound like much, but to a tiny mosquito that’s mighty fast!
Fact 4
Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide from up to 50 meters away, and they’re also attracted to the lactic acid and sweat on humans.
Fact 5
Mosquitoes can even survive in very cold temperatures. They can overwinter in below-freezing temperatures by forming antifreeze-like crystals in their body tissues.
Fact 6
Though the mosquito species that commonly bite humans have short lifespans of less than two weeks long, some species are quite long-lived. For example, some lab-raised mosquitoes were able to live up to 75 days!
Fact 7
Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water such as ponds, puddles, and even on the surface of a wet leaf.
Fact 8
Mosquito larvae must live in water, and feed on organic matter, algae, and other mosquito larvae.
Fact 9
After four stages of life (egg, larvae, pupae, and adult) an adult mosquito spreads its wings and is ready to take flight.
Fact 10
Mosquitoes have been a part of medical treatments for centuries—in some cultures the saliva from female mosquitoes is even used to help reduce fever.
Fact 11
Mosquitoes can transmit more than 100 different diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever.
Fact 12
Mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions in some people. The swelling and itching are caused by the body’s response to the mosquito’s saliva.
Fact 13
The use of insect repellents, window and door screens, and mosquito bed nets can help reduce the risk of coming in contact with mosquitoes.
Fact 14
Mosquitoes use their long, thin legs to feel for any carbon dioxide that may be in the area.
Fact 15
Mosquitoes have been around since at least the time of the dinosaurs. Fossils of them have been found in propositions as old as 118 million years.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are a pesky presence in our lives and despite their small size, they have some unique features and abilities that makes them truly remarkable. From their incredible senses that allow them to locate a meal miles away, to their ability to survive in even Arctic-like temperatures, it’s no wonder mosquitoes have been around since prehistoric times. Armed with the listed here, you have the knowledge to arm yourself against them the next time you find these blood-sucking perennials heading your way.
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.
Comments