Types of Mosquitoes: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex
There are approximately 2, 700 species of mosquito in the
world; the three most significant genera are the Aedes, Anopheles,
and Culex, as these types of mosquitoes are responsible for
transmitting various diseases that are hazardous to mankind.
The Aedes Mosquito
As one of the most dangerous types of mosquito, the
Aedes is anthropophagic, that is, it feeds on the blood of
humans. Only the female mosquito bites. It transmits among
humans menacing diseases such as yellow fever and dengue fever,
and can also cause lymphatic filariasis, an illness that can
trigger elephantiasis in certain cases.
 Most
species of Aedes can be found in the tropical and subtropical
zones of the world. Recently, the genus has been discovered
in more temperate regions, and its presence can now be anticipated
on every continent except Antarctica.
The female Aedes mosquito lays its eggs on the surface of
water; adulthood is reached within approximately six to seven
days. The mature Aedes mosquito breeds, feeds, and dies within
a week or two, which is the life cycle of most mosquitoes.
The Anopheles Mosquito
The Anopheles is different from other types of mosquitoes
as it is the genus most accountable for spreading malaria
to humans. Malaria can be fatal; its typical symptoms include
fever, headaches, chills, and general flu symptoms. The species
of Anopheles known as Gambiae is infamous for transmitting
plasmodium falciparum, the most threatening form of malaria
in the world.
The Anopheles mosquito is generally located near bodies of
water, such as ponds, swamps, marches, ditches, and rain pools.
The Anopheles female favors laying its eggs in fairly still
water that is oxygenated, and where there is an abundance
of wild plant life. Some species enjoy the shady areas, while
others prefer sunlight.
 The
Culex Mosquito
The genus of mosquito known as the Culex can be considered
the least dangerous of the three major types of mosquitoes
due to the fact that humans are not their preferred blood
meal. Instead, most species of Culex are partial to biting
birds rather than humans. Despite this inclination, the Culex
female mosquito is nevertheless recognized as spreading diseases
such as the West Nile virus, malaria, filariasis, and encephalitis.
The Culex, like the Anopheles, tends to favor standing water
to lay its eggs; however, unlike the Anopheles, it does not
necessarily opt for plant and wild life surroundings. Instead,
it often breeds in the outdoor objects on your property, such
as barrels, cans, garden pots, used tires, as well as other
places where stagnant water can collect.
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