MOSQUITOES

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Mosquitoes are a type of blood-feeding fly that make up the Culcidia family. They are over 3,450 species distributed worldwide, spreading from the tropics to the Arctic circle. Adult female mosquitos lays eggs on or close to small areas of standing water. Larvae emerges from the eggs and may be seen wriggling in the water, before they develop into the less active pupa. The adult mosquito eventually emerges from the pupa and leaves the water. The duration of the life cycle from egg to adult is around 2 weeks. The adult female mosquitoes feed on blood which, depending on the mosquito species, may be from humans, or other mammals or birds. By contrast, the adult males feed only on the nectar in flowers. For most people, a mosquito bite usually results in a red, itchy swelling which subsides in a few hours or days. A few people show no reaction at all, while others may develop a severe allergic reaction which may require treatment. There are many different types of mosquito in Myanmar, each with its own specific biology, behaviour and pest status, but the three most important types are: