Mosquitos
Mosquitoes have been around for over 30 million years. There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes although only three are found to be responsible for the spreading dangerous diseases. One of those species is the Anopheles which is the only species found to carry malaria. It also carries transmit filariasis, and encephaliti. The Culex mosquito is known to carry encephalitis, filariasis, and West Nile virus. Lastly, the Aedes carries dengue, encephalitis, and yellow fever. These small insects are responsible for spreading diseases that cause the death of millions of people worldwide every year. They have chemical, visual and heat sensors.These sensors are used to hone their skills in finding prey. An average lifespan of mosquitoes in the wild is 2 weeks to 6 months. Only females are equipped to bite and suck blood from their prey. The blood is not used as nourishment for them, it is used to feed their eggs. Both male and female mosquitoes eat nectar and other plan sugars. Water is needed for mosquitoes to reproduce and a lack of water is the easiest way to control their reproduction in your environment.
Mosquitos in the News
This fossilized mosquito was discovered in northwest Montana. It is estimated to be 46 millions years old. This fossil is special because it is the only blood-engorged mosquito fossil that has been found. It was found embedded in shale which is normally found on the bottom of the bodies of water. Normally fossils are found in amber are better preserved. It is extremely rare to find a fossil in shale preserved. There is great excitement in the scientific community to discovery what kind of blood is contained in this fossil.
http://www.livescience.com/40402-fossil-mosquito-blood-meal.html
This fossilized mosquito was discovered in northwest Montana. It is estimated to be 46 millions years old. This fossil is special because it is the only blood-engorged mosquito fossil that has been found. It was found embedded in shale which is normally found on the bottom of the bodies of water. Normally fossils are found in amber are better preserved. It is extremely rare to find a fossil in shale preserved. There is great excitement in the scientific community to discovery what kind of blood is contained in this fossil.
http://www.livescience.com/40402-fossil-mosquito-blood-meal.html
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