Mosquito (Anopheles)

DipteraCulicidae
OrderDiptera
FamilyCulicidae
Size3-6 mm
HabitatWorldwide, tropical
DietNectar (males), blood (females)

About the Mosquito (Anopheles)

The deadliest animal on Earth. Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria, killing over 600,000 people annually - more than all other animals combined. Only females bite - they need blood protein for egg development. They are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, lactic acid, and dark colors. They can detect a host from 50 meters. They have been responsible for an estimated 50% of all human deaths throughout history. Over 3,500 species exist but only about 100 transmit malaria.

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