Introduction
Mosquitoes belong to the clan Diptera, and suborder Nematocera. The term for the family to which mosquitoes belong, “Culicidae” is derived from Latin, which translates to “gnat”. Today, nearly 110 genera have been identified in the family Culicidae and over 3,600 species have been documented.
Most mosquitoes are two-winged insects no larger than 20 mm in size. From an evolutionary perspective, the earliest mosquito fossils were discovered from the Cretaceous, some 90 to 100 million years ago. These insects are also considered pests as they cause different types of diseases in humans and animals.
Classification of Mosquitoes
The family Culicidae is classified into two subfamilies:
Anophelinae
Culicinae
Scientific Names of Select Mosquito Species
Anopheles gambiae
Culiseta longiareolata
Mosquito
Mosquitoes belong to the Diptera clan and suborder Nematocera. Mosquitoes belong to the “Culicidae” family, and the term is derived from Latin, and means “gnat”. Nearly 110 genera have been identified in the family Culicidae and over 3,600 species have been documented till date. Mosquitoes are two-winged insects and are approximately 20 mm in size. The earliest mosquito fossils were discovered from the Cretaceous, long back, about 90 to 100 million years ago. Mosquitoes also fall in the category of pests as they cause various types of diseases in humans and animals.
“Culicidae” is classified into two subfamilies, namely
i) Anopheles gambiae
ii) Culiseta longiareolata
In one particular group of mosquitoes, the females have long mouth parts that are adapted for piercing and for sucking blood. The male on the other hand,, which feeds on nectar and water, has rudimentary mouthparts. The female mosquitoes of this particular group prefer the blood of the warm-blooded animals, and when they bite, they inject their salivary fluid into the wound, and this causes the swelling and irritation that we see. Many infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and filariasis are transmitted through the bite of the mosquito.
Mosquito Facts:
i) Only female mosquitoes are known to bite humans, a rather surprising fact to know, but the reason for this is that they, the female mosquitoes get the protein and other nutrients that are essential for the production and development of the egg.
ii) Mosquitoes are often said to be as old as Dinosaurs. The mosquitoes have been biting humans for a long time now.
iii) Another very strange and amusing fact is that mosquitoes have the capacity to learn and remember what their hosts smell like, and they can locate them wherever they go, in order to bite you.
iv) Mosquitoes have a very short life span and it is estimated that they live for approximately two months.
v) Around the world, there are about 3000 species of mosquitoes.
vi) Mosquitoes are considered to be addicted to Carbon Dioxide. Carbon dioxide is one among the various ways during which mosquitoes find their next feast. Mosquitoes use a special organ called the ‘maxillary palp’ which helps them to follow the smell of Carbon Dioxide (CO2),that is released from our breath and then they attack.
FAQs on Mosquito Scientific Name
1. What is the complete scientific classification of a mosquito?
A mosquito belongs to the Kingdom Animalia and Phylum Arthropoda. Its full classification is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera (which includes all two-winged flies)
- Family: Culicidae
The family Culicidae is then divided into genera, such as Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes.
2. How are scientific names for mosquitoes, like 'Aedes aegypti', structured?
The scientific name follows a system called binomial nomenclature. This system gives every species a unique, two-part name. The first part is the Genus (like Aedes), which is always capitalised. The second part is the species name (like aegypti), which is in lowercase. This ensures scientists worldwide use a single, standard name for each organism.
3. What is the scientific name for the common house mosquito?
The scientific name for the common house mosquito, often found in urban areas, is Culex pipiens. While it is a nuisance, this species is less commonly associated with major disease outbreaks compared to others.
4. What is the scientific name of the mosquito that spreads dengue fever?
The primary mosquito that transmits dengue fever is Aedes aegypti. This species is also responsible for spreading other serious viruses, including Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever.
5. Which mosquito's scientific name is linked to malaria?
The mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria belong to the genus Anopheles. There is not just one type; several species within this genus, such as Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles culicifacies, are known vectors for the malaria parasite.
6. Why is it important for health officials to know the scientific names of different mosquitoes?
Knowing the specific scientific name is crucial for public health because different mosquito species have different behaviours and carry different diseases. This knowledge helps officials to:
- Control diseases effectively: Targeting Anopheles breeding sites helps control malaria.
- Predict outbreaks: Tracking the population of Aedes aegypti can help predict dengue outbreaks.
- Implement correct strategies: Some mosquitoes are active at night, while others bite during the day. Control measures must be planned accordingly.
7. Do male and female mosquitoes have different scientific names?
No, the scientific name applies to the entire species, including both males and females. However, they exhibit sexual dimorphism, which means they have distinct differences in behaviour and appearance. For example, only female mosquitoes bite and suck blood because they need the protein for egg development, whereas males feed on plant nectar.
8. What is the main difference between the subfamilies Anophelinae and Culicinae?
The key differences are related to their physical posture and their role in disease transmission. Anophelinae mosquitoes (like the malaria-carrying Anopheles) typically rest with their bodies at an angle to the surface. In contrast, Culicinae mosquitoes (like Culex and Aedes) rest with their bodies parallel to the surface. This simple visual cue can help in identification.
9. What is the scientific name of the Asian Tiger Mosquito and what makes it significant?
The scientific name for the Asian Tiger Mosquito is Aedes albopictus. It is significant because it is a highly invasive species that has spread across the world. Like its relative Aedes aegypti, it is an aggressive daytime biter and a competent vector for diseases like dengue and Chikungunya.
10. Besides transmitting diseases, what other roles do mosquitoes play in the ecosystem?
While they are known as pests, mosquitoes also play important ecological roles. For instance:
- They are a significant food source for predators like fish, frogs, birds, and bats.
- Male mosquitoes, and some females, feed on nectar and in the process act as pollinators for certain plants, including some orchids.
