Mosquitoes at a Glance
Who: Mosquito (Culicidae)
What : Mostly blood-sucking midge-like flies..
When: Late Spring throughout the Summer. .
Where: Typically inhabit warmer climates, from tropical to temperate zones.
Prevention: Remove standing water supplies and have regular mosquito treatments.
The Mosquito
Over 3500 species of mosquitoes are known worldwide, and while some species are harmless, many are considered pests because they suck blood and spread diseases. Some authorities argue that these types of mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on earth – some scientists have even suggested that a complete eradication would not cause noticeable ecological damage.
Habitat
Most mosquito species are native to subtropical and tropical regions where that are active year-round. In temperate regions, however, they tend to hibernate in the winter, with eggs being tolerant of cooler temperatures, often hatching in the spring. Some species have spread out of their native range in cargo ships, delivery trucks, trains and aircraft. Males and females typically feed on nectar and other plant juices, but females of many species are adapted to pierce skin to suck blood; this is done before the female produces her eggs or so that she can produce more eggs.
It is well documented that mosquitoes are a vector for many disease-casing viruses and parasites, including yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus, among others. About 2 millions people will die each year from diseases spread by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes in Arkansas
Over 200 species of mosquitoes are found in the United States, with over 30 found right here in Arkansas. Nearly every Arkansan had been in contact with -or worse, been bitten by – mosquitoes. In Arkansas history, mosquitoes spread malaria to early settlers – it remained a problem up until the 1950s until DDT and post-World War II spray programs.
Learn more about Arkansas mosquito history here (be warned it’s very scientific!). Or try the Encyclopedia of Arkansas’s article about insects (mosquitoes are under “Insects and Arkansas History”).
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