Description and photos of mosquitoes

In the Russian-language space about mosquitoes, there are two opinions. First: the mosquitoes are the same. mosquitoesonly in english. Second, mosquitoes are not mosquitoes, but live only in southern countries. Both of these opinions are erroneous.

Habitat mosquitoes

The vast majority of mosquito species actually live in the tropical and subtropical zones of the planet. But the inhabitants of Eurasia are not relieved by this circumstance from these bloodsuckers.Two genera: Sergentomyia and Phlebotomus live in the Palearctic zone, which occupies the territory of the entire Eurasian continent. Eurasian mosquitoes live in the tundra and in the arid regions of the continent. Species living in desert and semi-desert conditions have adapted to breed in animal burrows and caves. Some species can multiply in fruits. One of the species lays eggs in figs.

Why not mosquitoes

To figure out who mosquitoes are and why they are not mosquitoes, you will have to delve a little into the scientific classification. Mosquitoes and mosquitoes belong to the same order: dipterans. Further their paths diverge. The differences between mosquitoes and mosquitoes begin with "pedigree." Mosquitoes belong to the family of mosquitoes, mosquitoes - to the family of butterflies.

On a note!

All the blood-sucking flying insects, even the largest, are included in the "complex of midges".

Butterflies are small bloodsucking insects that look like small moths. Because of this, the family got its name. Below is a photo of a butterfly.

Butterfly
Butterfly

A mosquito, not belonging to the mosquito family, looks more like a mosquito than a butterfly. A photo of a mosquito and a common mosquito will help compare them.

Mosquito and mosquito ordinary
Mosquito and mosquito ordinary

The difference between the mosquito and the mosquito is clearly displayed in the table.

Compare parameterMosquitoMosquito
Soundsilentcharacteristic ringing
The sizeup to 4 mmup to 15 mm
Wingsraised and placed at an angle to the bodyparallel to each other and the body of the insect
Torsocovered with bristlessetae absent
Breeding groundwet soil, burrows, caves, fruitwater

Mosquito food and the mosquito is the same: the males drink floral nectar, fertilized females need blood.

On a note!

An adult female mosquito before the bite makes several jumps on the victim's body.

Some of the species of the Eurasian family of phlebotomuses are synanthropic, that is, they have adapted to live with a person. In the city, places where mosquitoes of these species live can be damp basements. In nature, most often bloodsuckers of this species are found in the dense shade of bushes or underbrush. Although the larvae do not live directly in the water, they need moisture-saturated earth. In the absence of direct contact with water, they die within a day.

Breeding

Breeding mosquitoes
Breeding mosquitoes

9 days after the bloodsucking session, the female lays 30-60 eggs.The entire life cycle, from the egg to the imago of the mosquito (adult) takes about 7 weeks. After a week from the egg, the larva molts 4 times. In total, the growth process to the pupal stage takes an average of 1 month. After the 4th stage, the larva pupates and after 11 days an adult insect appears from the egg.

On a note!

The larvae feed on decaying organic debris.

But if we take into account not just the active phase of the life of bloodsuckers, but their adaptation to adverse climatic conditions, then the question of how many mosquitoes live is no longer so straightforward. If the developmental deadlines were strictly observed, the mosquitoes would become extinct within one year. They live from the Cretaceous period and are not going to disappear.

The secret is in the diapause characteristic of many Palaearctic species. Adults freeze out in winter, regardless of when they reached the adult stage - 2 months or 2 days before frost. Larvae of the fourth stage of development, capable of falling into hibernation, "leave" for wintering.

Interesting!

Diapause is a condition in which all processes in the body proceed very slowly.

The appearance in summer of adult insects in large quantities at once, toodue to diapause. The larvae that emerged from the anabiosis state in late May – early June almost simultaneously. The exit from the pupae of the imago also occurs at the same time.

The Harm And Benefit Of Mosquitoes

The traditional opinion: there is no use for bloodsuckers, only one harm. In fact, these small flyers, along with other insects like them, form the basis of the food pyramid in any ecosystem: forest, desert, city, and so on. Many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and animals feed on adults. The larvae, processing organic matter rotting in the ground, contribute to the inexhaustible soil.

Insect bites
Insect bites

But the harm to humans from them can be palpable. Mosquito bites are painful. When biting bloodsucker sprinkles spit into the wound with substances that prevent blood from clotting.

On a note!

If the victim has an allergy, the bite site will swell at best. At worst, death is possible. Even those who do not suffer from allergies, mosquito bites turn red, swell and itch for a long time. When combing great chance to bring in the wound infection.

In hot regions, phlebotodermia may develop as a result of the sensitivity of the human body to mosquito bites. This reaction to bites in rash all over the body of itchy nodules is expressed.

Mosquitoes - carriers of the disease leishmaniasis. This is a parasitic disease, manifested in the form of ulcerative papules. In addition to leishmaniasis, mosquitoes can tolerate pappatachi fever and bartonellosis. All these diseases are usually common in the southern regions of Eurasia and the population of the northern part could not be afraid of them. But, due to global warming, not only southern species of plants and animals, but also pathogens are moving northward.

Pappatachi fever is one of the most dangerous diseases. Distributed in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Indochina and East Africa. Carry it to mosquitoes, bearing the name of fever. What mosquitoes look like phlebotomus pappatachi look like:

  • size 2-3 mm;
  • color pale yellow;
  • wings and body covered with light long setae.

The bites of this type of bloodsucker are painless, the person does not notice that he has been attacked by pappata mosquito. For this reason, it is possible to ignore the symptoms of the incipient disease.

Methods of dealing with mosquitoes

The methods of struggle in this case are the same as with mosquitoes and flies:

  • mechanical:
  • chemical.

Mechanical methods include installing grids on windows. Not counting fly swatters that are ineffective. It should be borne in mind that the mosquito net cells should be smaller than that of mosquito nets. To get rid of dampness in the basement, it is enough to monitor the serviceability of water and sewer pipes. Piles of organic garbage should not be allowed in the surrounding area. This is a great breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Chemical methods include treating the territory and premises with any kind of insecticide. This can also be attributed specifically designed for use in the bedroom at night. electric fumigators, evaporating deterrent bloodsucking substances.

Important!

Spiral fumigatorSet aside for use in the open air.

When going out into nature more often use mosquito spray or ointment. Noticed that of folk remedies well repels mosquitoes smell of citrus.

In urban environments, mosquitoes are often found in homes with damp basements. To get rid of these insects, you will have to apply to the residential company with the requirement to repair the leaking pipes and carry out pest control.Subject to cleanliness and order in the territory of the mosquitoes can get rid of. Their maximum flight limit is 1.5 km, usually they cover a distance of no more than 25 m.


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