The yellow fever mosquito is responsible for transmitting dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, making it arguably the most dangerous animal to human health in history. Only females bite, requiring blood proteins to produce eggs, while both sexes feed primarily on plant nectar for energy. Their extraordinarily sensitive carbon dioxide receptors can detect a host’s exhalations from up to 50 metres away.
About the Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Advertisement
⚡ Speed Comparison
📸 Photo Gallery
💡 Fun Facts
01
Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths per year (700,000+) than any other animal on Earth, surpassing even other humans.
02
Only female mosquitoes bite; males feed exclusively on nectar and other plant sugars and cannot pierce skin.
03
A female can detect carbon dioxide from a breathing host at a range of 50 metres, using a specialised receptor called cpA on her antenna.
04
Mosquitoes have been on Earth for more than 100 million years — amber specimens from the Cretaceous period contain identifiable blood.
05
Research has shown mosquitoes preferentially bite people who have recently drunk alcohol, as ethanol increases skin surface temperature and CO₂ production.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Tropical Wetlands
🛒 Mosquito Related Gear
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts about the Mosquito