Here are 10 mosquito fun facts:
- 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.
- Smelly feet and stinky socks are attractive to certain kinds of mosquitoes – much like Limburger cheese!
- All mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. Some species will fly up to 40 miles from the breeding site for a blood meal, while others will travel only about 150 yards to feed.
- Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1-1.5 miles per hour but can be carried long distances by the wind.
- Movement increased mosquito biting activity up to 50% in one study, while a full moon elevated mosquito activity about 500% in another.
- The eggs of some species can remain dormant up to a year or more, then hatching when they are flooded.