 Picture from: Virtual Science Centre |
This mosquito is about 5.5 mm long, brown with white markings on the
legs and mouth parts. Mosquitoes are related to gnats and flies in
that they have one pair of wings. The second pair has been reduced
to little knobs to maintain balance in flight. The familiar buzz
that we hear is produced by the wings vibrating rapidly at 500 - 600 beats
per second. Most female mosquitoes are blood-sucking although only a
few species are capable of spreading diseases.
The head of the mosquito is mostly taken up with two large compound eyes. These detect any movement and give the mosquito excellent vision. The head also has 2 long feelers or antennae which are sensitive to smell, touch and moisture in the air. Male mosquitoes have very feathery brush-like antennae while the female has only a few small hairs. Mosquitoes are easily recognized by their mouthparts. A long needle-like proboscis sticks out from the head which is actually a greatly elongated lower lip. The females have a tube with 6 fine needles used to pierce skin to suck blood. Blood appears to be necessary for development of eggs. Males do not have piercing mouthparts. Both males and females suck nectar and plant juices. Mosquitoes are very hardy, surviving even arctic conditions. |
More information on Mosquitoes:
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