Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest pests. Yes! You read that right.
According to gatesnotes infographic, mosquitoes are one of the most lethal animals, as they kill over than 700,000 people annually. These tiny insects also account for 17% out of the estimated burden of infectious diseases across the globe.
So, does that mean all mosquitoes are dangerous? Not really. That said, there are some mosquitoes you will never want to encounter in your life.
Keep scrolling find out the most dangerous mosquito species.
Let’s dive in.
Dangerous Mosquito Species
1. House Mosquito (Culex)
It is a nondescript brownish insect with a rounded abdomen.
These species of mosquitoes are more active after sunset.
Appearance:
- They are pale brown with white stripes.
- Legs, wings, and adult-thorax covered with brown scales.
- The abdomen tip is blunt.
- Larvae rest 45 degrees from the water surface.
- Eggs are vertical on the water surface, which is brown, long, and cylindrical, cemented in a raft of 300 eggs.
- The raft is 3-4mm long and 2 – 3mm wide.
Life Cycle:
- These mosquitoes take 6-10 days from egg to adult stage.
Habitat:
- These mosquitoes mainly breed in polluted stagnant water and drain.
- They usually bite at night and stay indoors after having a blood meal.
- They prefer dark colors and are long-distance fliers.
Virus Spread:
- They are the responsible vectors for spreading West Nile Virus and Louis encephalitis, which had flu-like symptoms.
2. Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes Aegypti)
These mosquitoes are intensely black, distinguished by their pointed abdomen.
These species bite with the changes in the light intensity (before sunrise and after sunset). They pass pathogens by eating several partial meals on multiple victims, called sip-feeding.
Appearance:
- The adult mosquito is intensely black with two white stripes on its back and white bands on the legs.
- Larvae rest 45 degrees from the water surface.
- The egg is black and has a shape like a rugby ball.
Life Cycle:
- These mosquitoes take 6-8 days from egg to adult stage.
Habitat:
- They breed in containers with clean water.
- They prefer dark colors like black and red and can fly short distances (50 – 100m).
Virus Spread:
- They are responsible for causing Yellow fever during the Spanish-American war.
- It carries the virus causing dengue and
3. Common Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles)
These are dark brown insects recognizable by long palpi or tasting organs.
Female mosquito of this genus feeds on humans and other mammals in the evening. These are popularly known as the marsh mosquito.
Appearance:
- The adult mosquito is dark brown, resting at 45 degrees angle to the surface.
- Larvae rest parallel to the water surface.
- The egg is 1mm long and floated on its sides.
Life Cycle:
- These mosquitoes take 6-8 days from egg to adult stage.
Habitat:
- These mosquitoes prefer clean and unpolluted water for breeding.
- The female with one blood meal can lay 50 – 150 eggs.
Virus Spread:
- Mainly known for the spread of Malaria
Final Words
There are above 2,500 mosquito species in every region of the world and their capacity to transmit deadly diseases makes the What makes it so dangerous. So, if you find mosquitoes in and around your home, get rid of them immediately. You can also seek help of professional pest control services to enjoy a mosquito-free summer.
