Table of Contents

Mosquitoes

CO2 attracts mosquitoes

Broad-shouldered, taller people produce more CO2 and lactic acid, which attracts mosquitoes (not “sweet blood” as most think). The carbon dioxide trails from our breath are like “highways” on which mosquitoes head to their destination. 1)

Short life span

Even if no predator gets these insects, they still have a short life span. The average lifespan of a male is about 10 days, while females can live six to eight weeks. 2)

Deadliest insects on Earth

Mosquitoes are the deadliest insects on Earth due to mosquito-borne viruses (such as West Nile Virus, which causes severe fever) and parasites that cause malaria. This is a huge problem, especially in Africa and tropical countries. It is estimated that about 1 million people worldwide die from malaria each year. 3)

Great sense of smell

Mosquitoes have a highly-developed odor detection system. 4)

Males feed on flowers

Only female mosquitoes feed on human blood. Food for male mosquitoes is plant juices and nectar from flowers. 5)

Don't like wind

Mosquitoes do not like windy weather because it makes it difficult for them to sniff out prey. 6)

Culicidae

The scientific name of the mosquito is Culicidae. 7)

Food chain

Only one good thing can be said about mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are one of the main food items for many animals and are a vital component of the food chain. 8)

Kill more than 700,000 people every year

Mosquitoes kill more than 700,000 people every year and account for 17% of the estimated global burden of infectious diseases. 9)

Deadly for pets

Mosquitoes do not spare pets. Just as among humans, mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases to our pets. 10)

Three times the weight

Only females bite us. They can suck three times as much blood as they weigh themselves at one time. 11)

Blood for eggs

Female mosquitoes need blood to lay eggs. 12)

300 eggs

Female mosquitoes lay about 300 eggs. Mostly they die after laying eggs, but sometimes they manage to lay eggs twice. 13)

Allergen

Mosquito saliva is an allergen. 14)

Slow fliers

Mosquitoes fly very slowly. About 2 km/h. 15)

Develop underwater

Mosquito larvae develop under the surface of the water. They breathe using a tube that protrudes from their anus. 16)

Attracted to sweat

Mosquitoes are also attracted to octanol, alcohol contained in human sweat. 17)