Mosquitoes usually cannot live when the air temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius. However, they are mostly active at approximately 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. When mosquitoes bite us to suck our blood, their saliva is transferred to that body part and causes an itchy rash. Here are 15 fun and interesting facts about mosquitoes.
1. Mosquitoes Kill More People Than Sharks And Snakes
Mosquitoes have been termed as the deadliest animal on our planet as it kills more people every year than sharks and snakes. According to statistics, on average, sharks kill 10 people every year, snakes kill approximately 50,000 people each year and humans are responsible for killing 475,000 people every year.
However, mosquitoes kill almost 600,000 people each year. Thus, these tiny insects are the biggest killers of humans.
2. “Mosquito” Means “Little Fly”
“Mosquito” is a Spanish or Portuguese word which means “little fly”.
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3. Mosquitoes Are Everywhere
Mosquitoes can be found almost everywhere and, in every region, where humans live, except Antarctica. However, they are found particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
4. Mosquitoes Are As Old As The Dinosaurs
One of the most interesting facts about Mosquitoes is that Mosquitoes are actually as old as dinosaurs. Scientists have found some evidence that suggests that mosquitoes evolved in the Triassic Period, which means approximately 251 to 199 million years ago.
5. 1.2 Million Mosquito Bites Will Drain All The Blood From Our Body
It would take approximately 1.2 million mosquito bites to drain all the blood from a human body.
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6. There Are 3,000 Different Species Of Mosquitoes
According to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), there are more than 3,000 different species of mosquitoes around the world. In Indonesia, more than 457 species of mosquitoes are found. However, some species of them don’t even bite.
7. Mosquitoes Are Weak Fliers
Most of the mosquito species weigh only about 2.5 milligrams and they are usually not capable of flying above 25 feet. That is why mosquitoes are considered as weak fliers.
8. Only Female Mosquitoes Bite Humans
Both male and female adult mosquitoes actually feed on fruit and plant nectar. But female mosquitoes need some additional protein to lay their eggs.
Human blood consists of proteins and amino acids, that are important for female mosquitoes to obtain for producing and developing their eggs. Because of that, only female mosquitoes bite humans.
9. Female Mosquito Can Lay Up To 300 Eggs
A Female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time.
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10. Mosquitoes Do Not Travel More Than A Mile
Mosquitoes usually do not travel more than a mile from their breeding ground or breeding spot in search of food. Thus, if we can remove breeding grounds of mosquitoes quickly, the number of mosquitoes population in our locality would be greatly reduced.
11. Mosquitoes Are Called “Mozzies”
Mosquitoes are often called “mozzies” in Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
12. Mosquitoes Live For 10 To 56 Days
Mosquitoes generally have a short lifespan which is less than two months. They usually live for 10 to 56 days depending on various factors, such as the mosquito species and weather or climate condition.
Male mosquitoes have the shortest lives. They usually live for 10 days. However, female mosquitoes can live for almost six to eight weeks in ideal conditions. They can also complete all stages of the entire lifecycle in a short period of time, approximately 8 to 10 days.
13. Female Mosquitoes Can Lay Eggs Up To Three Times
Female mosquitoes can lay eggs up to three times in their lifetime.
14. Mosquitoes Don’t Have Teeth
Mosquitoes actually don’t have teeth. They have long, sharp needle-like pointed tubes, which are called proboscis. Mosquitoes use this mouthpart to pierce our skin and suck the blood from our bodies.
15. “O” Blood Type Are More Likely To Get Bitten
From different studies, it has been found that mosquitoes may be more attracted to people with the “O” blood type. Thus, people with the “O” blood type are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes.
These are 15 interesting facts about mosquitoes.
FAQ: 15 Fun And Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes
As mosquitoes can be found everywhere, many people from different countries have many different questions about it. Here I have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about mosquitoes.
Q1. How Many Eggs Does A Mosquito Lay At A Time?
Ans: Female mosquitoes generally lay up to 300 eggs at a time.
Q2. How Many Weeks Do Female Mosquitoes Live?
Ans: Female mosquitoes can live for about six to eight weeks in ideal conditions.
Q3. How Many Times Can A Female Mosquito Lay Eggs?
Ans: A female mosquito can lay eggs about three times in its lifetime.
Q4. How Long Does A Male Mosquito Live?
Ans: Male mosquitoes have the shortest lives and they generally live for 10 days.
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