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Mosquito

Mosquitoes are small insects that significantly impact human health by spreading diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. They undergo a life cycle consisting of four stages and are primarily active at dawn and dusk, with only females biting for blood to develop eggs. Preventive measures such as using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water are crucial to reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission.

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3 views4 pages

Mosquito

Mosquitoes are small insects that significantly impact human health by spreading diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. They undergo a life cycle consisting of four stages and are primarily active at dawn and dusk, with only females biting for blood to develop eggs. Preventive measures such as using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water are crucial to reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission.

Uploaded by

arcbyecommerce26
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mosquito: The Tiny Insect with a Big Impact

The mosquito is one of the most well-known and widespread insects in the world.
Though small in size, mosquitoes have a huge impact on human health, making them
one of the deadliest creatures on Earth—not because of their bite, but because of the
diseases they spread.

1. What Is a Mosquito?

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that belong to the family Culicidae. There are
over 3,500 known species of mosquitoes, but only a few are responsible for spreading
diseases. These insects have slender bodies, long legs, and a characteristic long
mouthpart called a proboscis, used for feeding.

2. Life Cycle and Behavior

Life Cycle

Mosquitoes undergo a complete metamorphosis with four stages:

1.

Egg – Laid on or near water surfaces.

2.
3.

Larva – Aquatic and often called "wigglers."

4.
5.

Pupa – Also aquatic, this is the resting stage.

6.
7.

Adult – Emerges from the pupa and begins flying.

8.
The entire life cycle can take as little as 7–10 days, depending on temperature and
water availability.

Feeding Habits

Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices.


Female mosquitoes need blood to develop their eggs. They bite humans and
animals to obtain it.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. They are attracted to body heat, sweat,
carbon dioxide, and even certain body odors.

3. Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are vectors, meaning they carry and transmit diseases from one host to
another. Some of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases include:

Malaria (caused by Plasmodium parasites)


Dengue Fever


Zika Virus


Chikungunya


Yellow Fever

West Nile Virus

These diseases affect millions of people each year, particularly in tropical and
subtropical regions.

4. Preventing Mosquito Bites

Because of the serious health risks mosquitoes pose, prevention is key:

Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing.


Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during evening hours.


Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in areas with malaria risk.


Eliminate standing water in flower pots, gutters, tires, and birdbaths where
mosquitoes can breed.


Install window and door screens to keep them out of homes.

5. Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes

Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals.



Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from up to 75 feet (about 23 meters)


away.


Some species can fly up to 3 miles (5 km) in search of food.


Mosquitoes have existed for over 100 million years.


Despite their harmful reputation, mosquitoes play a role in ecosystems by


serving as food for fish, birds, and other insects.

Conclusion

The mosquito may seem like a simple pest, but it has a complex relationship with the
environment and human health. As carriers of dangerous diseases, they continue to be
a global health threat, especially in developing countries. Understanding how they
live and how to prevent their spread is essential to keeping communities safe. In the
fight against mosquitoes, awareness and action are our best tools.

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