Mosquitoes, the Culicidae, are a family of small flies consisting of 3,600 species. The word mosquito (formed by mosca and diminutive-ito) [2] is Spanish and Portuguese for little fly. [3] Mosquitoes have a slender segmented body, one pair of wings, three pairs of long hair-like legs, and specialized, highly elongated, piercing-sucking mouthparts.

The Culicinae are the most extensive subfamily of mosquitoes (Culicidae) and have species in every continent except Antarctica, but are highly concentrated in tropical areas. Mosquitoes are best known as parasites to many vertebrate animals and vectors for disease.

Feb 2, 2025 · Male and female adults feed on nectar and plant juices and only females feed on blood because a blood meal is usually required for development of eggs. Hosts are tetrapods. • Larvae feed on algae, protozoans, and organic debris filtered from water; a few species prey on other mosquito larvae.

The family Culicidae, derived from culex, the Latin name for “gnat,” is a member of one of the main stocks of Nematocera, the infraorder Culicomorpha. It consists of two superfamilies that include all of the piercing/sucking nematocerans, both predators and blood-feeding biters.

The family Culicidae (all true mosquitoes) is the most important medical insect group and thought to be the deadliest animal killer. Accurate classification and identification of mosquitoes are the basis of the basic research and control of vector mosquitoes.

Common Name: Mosquitoes. Description: Mosquitoes are a distinct family of the Diptera order, with a long proboscis and scales that are present on the wing veins. Females have short maxillary palps with short hairs on the antennae. Another defining characteristic of adult mosquitoes is the humped back thorax.

Mosquitoes are small, midge-like flies that constitute the family Culicidae. Females of most species are ectoparasites, whose tube-like mouthparts (called a proboscis) pierce the hosts' skin to consume blood. The word "mosquito" (formed by mosca and diminutive …

Culicidae. Identification Numbers. TSN: 125930. Geography. Launch Interactive Map. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Footer Menu - Employment. Careers & …

The family Culicidae, commonly known as mosquitoes, comprises over 3,500 species of small flies. Mosquitoes are known for their role as blood-feeding parasites and vectors of numerous diseases affecting humans and animals.

Nov 21, 2019 · This datasheet on Culicidae covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Pathology, Epidemiology, Impacts, Prevention/Control, Further Information.