Anopheles Mosquitoes & MalariaĪnopheles mosquitoes are one of the most important disease vectors among the insect world, earning this reputation as the result of being carriers of malaria. AdultsĪfter about 2-3 days, the pupal stage is completed and the adult mosquito emerges. Pupae also must go to the surface of the water and breath through a pair of organs known as respiratory trumpets. Once the larvae have completed four instars (stages), the pupae develop. Larvae spend much of their time feeding on: The larvae get air through special organs on their body and must come to the water’s surface to breathe. LarvaeĪnopheles mosquito larvae orient their body parallel to the water’s surface when taking in air, unlike others who orient more or less perpendicular to the water’s surface. Eggs may hatch within 2–3 days after being laid but can take up to three weeks in cooler climates. Unlike other mosquito species who lay eggs in groups that are “glued” together (egg rafts), Anopheles eggs are laid individually and float on surface of the water. Females lay about 50 to 200 eggs at a time. When ready, she will lay her eggs on a water source and fly away to search out another blood meal. EggsĪfter taking a blood meal, females find a protected resting site and wait until she can digest the blood and for her eggs to fully develop. The egg, larval, and pupal stages take place in water while the adult stage is able to fly and move to other locations. Life CycleĪnopheles mosquitoes complete four distinctly different life stages during their development. The only country or region that does not have these mosquitoes is Antarctica. Of the nearly 3,500 mosquito species, about 430 are Anopheles. Although they’re referred to as an aquatic animal, mosquitoes are insects that live in water but make trips up to the water’s surface every now and then to inhale fresh oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide.įun Fact: Anopheles mosquitoes are one of about 41 genera of mosquitoes that occur worldwide. Many species of mosquitoes use containers of water as egg-deposit sites. Mosquitoes are capable of thriving in a variety of locations and can successfully grow in numbers, even when not in their natural habitat. Since mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in stagnant water, they most commonly infest areas such as ponds, marshes, swamps and other wetlands. Where Do Anopheles Mosquitoes Live?Īvid fans of hot and humid environments, mosquitoes are often found in tropical areas around the world. Females also feed on sugars but must take a blood meal before they can produce fully developed eggs and Anopheles larvae. Males obtain their nourishment from plant nectar and other sources of sugar. It’s important to note that mosquitoes eat a few other things besides blood. Still, conditions and competition may force them to feed on other hosts. Not all species of mosquitoes prefer to feed on humans, some species prefer birds or reptiles. Female mosquitoes take blood meals to get the protein and iron needed to produce eggs that will properly hatch. The more you know about mosquitoes, the better you can predict and control their behavior.Ĭolor: Commonly blackish to dark brown in color.īody: Anopheles mosquitoes have a pair of mouthpart palps that are about the same length as the proboscis.Ĭharacteristics: Females position themselves at about a 45 degree angle to the host’s skin when taking a blood meal, unlike most other mosquitoes that assume more of a parallel position with the host’s skin when feeding.īlood is essential for mosquito reproduction and survival. Note: the more bites you have means females are present, which directly correlates to more eggs being laid and the signs of either a current or developing infestation. You’ll notice an increase in the amount of itchy mosquito bites as females need blood to produce their eggs. Mosquitoes enjoy wooded areas with dim lighting you should check those areas for infestation. Since the Anopheles mosquito life cycle is composed of the egg, larval, pupal and adult stages, almost any source of water found on a homeowner’s property can support these developmental stages. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk - if you’re seeing an increase in activity during the daytime hours, you most likely have an infestation.įemale mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in standing water. You’ll hear a constant whining sound as these mosquitoes make a unique noise instead of the usual buzz of a winged insect.Īs male mosquitoes feed on nectar and other sweets, you may notice mosquitoes hovering over fruits and other sweet foods in your kitchen or outside eating area. The telltale signs of mosquito activity include: It’s important to identify the signs of an Anopheles mosquito infestation.
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