Are you looking for random facts about mosquitoes? Are you working on a science report on mosquitoes? Or, are you a homeschooling mom developing a lesson plan on mosquitoes? Does your child just have questions about this insect and you’d like to share some facts about mosquitoes? Here are a few random facts about mosquitoes for kids.
Mosquitoes live almost everywhere on earth.
Mosquitoes can be found in many parts of the world. The do not live in the north or south poles, however, and you can’t find them in deserts. But they do not live in just one area of the world.
Mosquitoes love water.
Mosquitoes usually live near bodies of water. It could be as simple as a child’s swimming pool in someone’s backyard, but mosquitoes love water. They commonly live in warm, damp parts of forests, grasslands, swamps and mountains. They also use the water for laying their eggs.
Mosquitoes usually live for only about two weeks.
Yes, mosquitoes have a very short lifespan. They will usually only live for about 14 days or less. However, in those two weeks, females may lay their eggs 4 or 5 times. Some mosquitoes, however, may live for three weeks or more.
Female mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs at a time.
Most female mosquitoes can lay dozens to hundreds of eggs at one time.
Mosquitoes can fly backwards, sideways and upside down.
They are very talented at flying in all sorts of directions.
There are more than 3,000 different types of mosquitoes.
Not all mosquitoes are alike. There are actually more than 3000 different types of mosquitoes. Scientists discover new ones often.
Mosquitoes are preyed upon by many different animals.
Mosquitoes become great meals for various types of animals. Fish, birds, beetles, bats and other kinds of animals eat mosquitoes. They are a big part of the food chain.
Mosquitoes experience four stages of growth.
Even in their short lifespan, mosquitoes go through four stages of growth. They are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. All but the adult stage happens in the water. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and they do not have any legs when they are larvae. They will roam around the water searching for small bites of food. They look almost like very small worms. Often the larvae are eaten by fish. If they aren’t they will eventually become pupae, where they form the body of an adult. This lasts about 2 to 8 days. They will become an adult mosquito then. Watch the “Mosquito Life Cycle” video here to see it in action.
Female mosquitoes drink the blood of animals and humans.
Mosquitoes are probably best known for their bug bites. The female mosquitoes will drink the blood of humans (and other animals) to provide nutrients for her eggs. They use their proboscis, a long and sharp body part to drink the blood.
Even in complete darkness, a mosquito is able to detect the breath of a human up to 120 feet away. Mosquitoes can bite some people, and leave other people alone. Scientists believe this might have to do with one’s body chemistry. Sweat, body heat, perspiration, perfume and scented soaps can attract mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes prefer blood, but can eat other things as well.
Mosquitoes also drink the nectar from flowers, and some other plants. They also eat honeydew. Male mosquitoes will only eat this and do not drink blood.
Some mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases.
About sixty mosquito species help spread diseases than can be very harmful. These diseases include malaria, yellow fever, heartworm, filariasis and other diseases. They will bite an infected person, then transmit the disease to a non-infected person.
Mosquitoes helped the US acquire the state of Louisiana.
One interesting fact about mosquitoes is that they have actually helped change the history of the U.S. In 1803, Napoleon decided to sell the Louisiana Territory to the US because he could not maintain an Army in the mosquito infected land. He thought he was getting a great deal, but really the US did,since Americans were able to destroy the mosquitoes.
These are just a few fun facts about mosquitoes for kids. For some more random facts, please read “Facts for Kids About Dragonflies” and “Fun Facts for Kids About Spiders.” You also might take a look at “Fun Facts for Kids About Grasshoppers.” Happy Learning!
SOURCES:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFfO7f8Vr9c&feature;=related
Insect: Facts and Folklore by L. Patricia Kite
Mosquitoes by LIza Jacobs
What’s that Bug? by Nan Froman
