The Biology of the Mosquito
Mosquitoes are
small, long legged, two winged insects belonging to the order Diptera
and the family Culicidae. Adult mosquitoes differ from other flies because
they have scales on the wing veins and wing margin, and they have an elongate
proboscis used to bite and draw blood from their host, which is needed for
egg development. This group contains over 2,600 species, with about 162
species in the US,
belonging to 13 genera and 3 subfamilies.
Life History:
Mosquitoes have
four separate stages in their development: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. The
first three stages occur in the water (the eggs may be on wet or damp soil).
The larvae also go through four stages (called instars) in its development
into a pupae. The adult is the active, flying insect most of us are familiar
with, and feeds upon plant juices and nectar for food, and the female needs
blood from a host for egg development.
For more information on the biology of
the mosquito, please check these links:
[ Eggs | Larvae
| Pupae | Adult ]
Mosquito Control
for the homeowner - click this link for information on how you
can reduce the chance of mosquito emergence in your area. Due to concerns that
West Nile Virus may become a health risk to area residents this year, CMMCP
urges residents to prevent water from accumulating in artificial containers
and letting the water stagnate for more than a week. Artificial water-holding
containers can be a source for the types of mosquito species (Culex &
Ochlerotatus) that transmit West Nile Virus. These containers can
include toys, pails, barrels, tires, boats, swimming pool covers, un-maintained
swimming pools and concrete structures. If residents are aware of large
artificial water-holding containers such as an un-maintained swimming pool,
concrete structures that may be producing mosquitoes, or any areas of
stagnant water, they can contact CMMCP by telephone at (508) 393-3055 or fill
out our online request form here
and a Field Technician will be assigned to investigate the area and if
necessary treat the site to prevent emergence.
Massachusetts
Mosquito Control Communities - this
will send you to a table showing the communities in Massachusetts that
currently belong to an organized mosquito control district. Links to the
individual District's websites are listed.
Mosquito Species in
Eastern & Central Massachusetts - check this link for
information about the 50 mosquito species found in Massachusetts. Brief information on
habitat, host preference and behavior is included. For more detailed
information, please contact our office at (508) 393-3055 or e-mail us.
New Mosquito
Species Discovery in Massachusetts
in 2000
Press Release ( 15k) - July 16, 2000 - discovery of
new mosquito species in Massachusetts
- Aedes japonicus -
Click the link for the 2000 Ae. japonicus distribution table &
map
For other mosquito, arbovirus, and West
Nile Virus links, check our "Virus Info"
link .
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