Florida has around 80 types of mosquitos.
Mosquitoes are a type of nuisance insect that bite humans. In most cases, when a female mosquito bites, it will result in a raised and itchy bump or welt on the skin, but no serious problems. Unfortunately, some mosquitoes carry diseases like malaria or West Nile virus, which is potentially fatal to human health, so avoiding mosquitoes is a key consideration. While mosquitoes are found in most regions around the world, they are especially plentiful in Florida, where around 80 species of mosquito are located. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Get a close view of the look of the mosquito if possible. The only real way to identify the specific mosquito is by seeing all of the colors and patterns on the mosquito. With around 80 different species in Florida, some species will look similar except for coloration. Keep in mind that all mosquitoes have the similar appearance of a long and thin body with three parts: head, thorax and abdomen. They also have long, thin legs and wings similar to a fly's wings.
2. Note the colors on the mosquito. For example, take note of any rings or color changes on the legs, head, thorax or abdomen. Pay attention to any wing colors or appearances. Note any rings or lines forming patterns on the mosquito's body. To remember any facts about the appearance, you can either take a picture or write down the information immediately after looking at the mosquito. In general, a picture is tough unless the mosquito lands.
3. Look at a mosquito identification chart. The University of Florida has a chart available for the most common mosquito species throughout the state. The chart gives information about the coloration of different mosquitoes and common patterns. It includes information about the various parts of the mosquito's body and what it looks like.
4. Match up the appearance of the Florida mosquito in question and the information in the chart. For example, if the mosquito you looked at had an abdomen that was dark but had white bands and a single white strip going down the middle, it was likely an Oc Sollicitan mosquito.
5. Click on the name of your suspected mosquito to see a picture. If the picture matches up, you've found the correct mosquito. If not, look for another matching description and then look at the picture. Many of the mosquitoes look similar, so it might take a few tries to get the mosquito correct.
Tags: head thorax, head thorax abdomen, information about, long thin, look similar, mosquito body, patterns mosquito