Mosquito
Mosquitoes (family Culicidae) are small flying insects with over 3,500 species. Female mosquitoes feed on blood and are known carriers of serious diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, filariasis, and encephalitis. They lay eggs on water surfaces, which hatch into larvae that swim with wriggling movements and feed on algae or organic matter. Some larvae are even predatory. Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by body heat, movement, carbon dioxide, moisture, and lactic acid. The buzzing sound they make comes from their rapid wingbeats.
Risks & Damages
Common Species in Malaysia
Mosquitoes commonly found in Malaysia include Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex species. Each has distinct habits, appearances, and associated health risks.
ANOPHELES MOSQUITO
The Anopheles mosquito is the primary vector for malaria. Adults have pale and dark marks on their wings and rest at a 45-degree angle to the surface. The larvae lie parallel to the water surface. Their eggs, about 1mm long, float on water and have side structures for buoyancy.
AEDES MOSQUITO
Aedes mosquitoes are active around dawn and dusk. They have a distinctive black and white striped body. Their larvae rest at a 45-degree angle in water, and their black, rugby-shaped eggs are laid in clean, man-made containers. Aedes species are responsible for spreading dengue, Zika virus, yellow fever, and encephalitis.
CULEX MOSQUITO
Culex mosquitoes are dull in colour, with brown scales covering their thorax, legs, and wing veins. They are the main vectors of Japanese B Encephalitis. Their larvae rest at a 45-degree angle, while their brown, cylindrical eggs are laid upright on water surfaces in large rafts containing around 300 eggs.