Mosquitoes
Family: Culicidae
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Mosquitoes are in the same scientific order as house flies, but they have very different life history traits. There are around 3,100 different species that all live near water, mainly in warmer regions. They are regarded as the most dangerous animal on the planet. This is due to the Anopheles genus that transmits malaria, the most deadly disease in human history. Occurring on all continents except Antarctica, mosquitoes are infamous worldwide and are one of the most resented animals. The males, recognised by bushy antennae, are harmless and feed solely on nectar. The females on the other hand seek out vertebrate blood for egg development. Mosquitoes have elongate mouthparts, which form the well known blood-sucking proboscis. The adults usually rest during the daylight hours in humid areas and commence flight activity at sundown, but there are always exceptions. The larvae, young mosquitoes, are all aquatic, which is why the adults are tied to areas with water.
Suggestions on how to minimise bites
