Mosquitoes now have their own World Mosquito Day, which falls on August 20th of each year, commemorating the date in 1897 when British mycologist Ronald Ross discovered that Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria.
Mosquitoes are the number one killer on Earth; they are the most dangerous creature on the planet for humans. According to data, mosquitoes kill approximately 725,000 people every year, a far greater number than sharks, lions, and other animals and insects. Mosquitoes can spread more than 15 types of infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika.
According to statistics, mosquitoes are among the leading insects responsible for the number of deaths caused by their bites. This is because mosquito bites are a breeding ground for parasites that enter the human bloodstream, potentially leading to the development of malaria, tropical fever, yellow fever, encephalitis, and hepatitis.
One of the fascinating facts about mosquitoes is that they are very ancient insects. Paleontologists have found a fossilized mosquito that is about 46 million years old, with its abdomen filled with blood. It is believed that these insects appeared on Earth about 145 million years ago, meaning that mosquitoes were already around during the time of the dinosaurs.
Scientists believe that ancient mosquitoes had piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on blood. For example, males of one species were found to have serrated mouthparts, which is unusual since modern males do not drink blood. It appears that blood-sucking was more common among mosquitoes in the distant past, and this trait was later preserved only in females.
Only female mosquitoes suck blood because they derive from it the protein and iron they need for the growth of their eggs, while male mosquitoes feed exclusively on nectar and plant juices, and do not bother humans.
It's common to hear an annoying buzzing sound in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. This sound isn't from their mouths, but rather from the rapid flapping of their wings. Mosquito wings can flap hundreds or even thousands of times per second. Amazingly, mosquitoes can fly long distances, and if they can't find food nearby, they can fly tens of kilometers.
It's impossible to hide from female mosquitoes in the dark because they "see" warmth. Their eyes detect infrared radiation emitted by warm objects, which helps them find prey in the dark.
It's remarkable that mosquitoes can fly in the rain. Due to their small size and weight, a raindrop that hits the insect doesn't knock it off course. If a drop lands on its back, the mosquito becomes trapped for a few seconds before regaining its balance. Mosquitoes can also walk on water. Another astonishing characteristic is that mosquitoes mate while flying. Males gather to attract females, and the mating process lasts only about 15 seconds.
Mosquito saliva is a natural "anticoagulant". The substances in the saliva prevent the blood from clotting, and it also contains pain-relieving components, resulting in almost no sensation from the bite, while the saliva remaining under the skin is what causes the itching.
On the other hand, adult mosquitoes and their larvae are a food source for many animals, including birds, bats, fish, frogs, and others. Some studies suggest that if mosquitoes were to become extinct, it could have serious consequences for species such as migratory birds that rely on them for food.
Furthermore, mosquito larvae feed on organic matter found in water, which helps decompose organic materials and promotes nutrient recycling. At the same time, many mosquitoes, including males, are also important pollinators as they visit flowers to collect nectar.
Overall, mosquitoes are paradoxical creatures, combining the roles of "mankind's number one killer" with "an important ecological organ." All their negative and positive aspects compel us to view this tiny creature from a more comprehensive perspective. They are an integral part of the Earth's life cycle and cannot be eradicated, yet their presence in confined spaces is unbearable.
