Mosquito Biology and Behavior

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other creature due to their ability to transmit diseases like malaria and yellow fever. They undergo a life cycle of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood to produce eggs, while males feed on nectar. There are 3,000 species of mosquitoes, many of which do not bite humans. Factors like smelly feet, ovulation, and full moons can increase the likelihood of being bitten.

Which diseases can mosquitoes transmit to humans?

• Common cold and flu

• Malaria and yellow fever

• Chickenpox and measles

• Tuberculosis and pneumonia

What is the first stage in the mosquito life cycle?

• Adult

• Larva

• Pupa

• Egg

How long can mosquito eggs survive before hatching?

• One year

• Five years

• Ten years

• Two years

What do male mosquitoes primarily feed on?

• Leaves

• Fruits

• Nectar from flowers

• Blood

Why do female mosquitoes need a blood meal?

• To fly faster

• To survive

• To produce eggs

• To grow larger

Which factor increases mosquito biting activity by 500 times?

• New moon

• High temperatures

• Full moon

• Rainy season

Which group is more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes?

• People with clean feet

• Women who are ovulating

• Men with beards

• Children under five