There are about 3,000 different species of mosquitoes in the world. Is that a lot? Nahhh! There are about 500,000 different kinds of beetles!
There are about 175 different species in the continental United States. West Virginia has the fewest with about 30, while Texas tops the list with about 84.
Fossil records show existence of mosquitoes as far back as the Triassic period – 400 million years ago!
Female mosquitoes feed on blood because they require protein to produce their eggs. Male mosquitoes are incapable of biting. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectars for energy.
Most female mosquitoes live 2-3 weeks, depending on species and environmental conditions. Some species spend the winter in garages, animal burrows, culverts, etc., and may live up to 6 months.
