Faced in childhood with a centipede, and it is this genus that large mosquitoes belong to, many people then bypass them all their lives. Indeed, they look frightening, like mosquitoes enlarged several times. Given the experience of meeting with the latter, almost fatal bites are expected from large centipedes. But are mosquitoes with long legs really that dangerous?
Origin of the species and description
Photo: Mosquito centipede
Long-legged mosquitoes are known to mankind from chalk and tertiary amber deposits. The oldest evidence is Lebanese amber (Lower Cretaceous, about 130 million years old), the youngest specimen is found in Dominican amber, where it was found from the Miocene (Neogene period) from 15 to 40 million years. Representatives of more than 30 genera have been found in Baltic amber, some of which still exist.
Video: Mosquito centipede
Interesting fact: Tipulidae is one of the largest groups of mosquitoes, including more than 526 genera and subgenera. Most of the centipede mosquitoes have been described by entomologist Charles Alexander, a mosquito specialist, in over 1,000 scientific publications.
The phylogenetic position of the Tipulidae mosquito remains unclear. The classical view is that they are an early branch of Diptera - possibly with winter mosquitoes (Trichoceridae), a related group of all other Diptera - yielding to modern species. Taking into account the data of molecular studies, it is possible to compare the derived characters of the larvae, similar to those of the "higher" Diptera insects.
Pediciidae and Tipulidae are related groups, the limoniids are paraphyletic clades, and the Cylindrotominae seem to be a relict group, represented much better in the Tertiary. The Tipulidae mosquitoes may have originated from ancestors in the Upper Jurassic. The oldest specimens of long-legged mosquitoes were found in the Upper Jurassic limestones. In addition, representatives of the family were found in the Cretaceous of Brazil and Spain, and later in the Khabarovsk Territory. Also, the remains of insect species can be found in the Eocene limestones located near Verona.
Malaria symptoms
When the disease enters the active stage, a person develops the following symptoms:
- severe chills, accompanied by tremors in the body;
- feverish state with an increase in body temperature to high values;
- painful sensations in the joints;
- convulsive syndrome;
- repeated vomiting;
- the development of anemia when the protozoa of the genus Plasmodium attach to erythrocytes, which cause further death of the latter;
- unpleasant feeling of "goose bumps" on the skin;
- enlargement of the spleen;
- violation of the blood supply to the brain;
- intense headache of a regular nature.
In a patient, yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes can be noted. Such signs appear with severe liver damage by plasmodia. Bilirubin rises in the blood, which stains the skin yellow. Sweat glands begin to work hard, so there is increased sweating.
The patient's condition is weak and dejected, there is no appetite. A person lies in bed, he may have convulsions and clouding of consciousness.The progression of the disease leads to significant pallor of the skin, severe dizziness when trying to move the body to a horizontal position.
Appearance and features
Photo: What does a centipede mosquito look like?
Long-legged mosquitoes (Tipulidae) are insects belonging to the Diptera family, suborder long-wattled. They represent the largest mosquitoes and reach a maximum body length of almost 40 mm and a wingspan of over 50 mm. Despite their size, weevils mosquitoes have a very slender body and narrow wings.
The outer color usually ranges from gray to brown, in some genera it can be yellow and even black-yellow or black-red. The wings are most often black in color, and in the resting position are laid back. Like all two-winged ones, the rear fenders turn into swinging hinges (holders). In some species, the front wings are stunted. Their antennae have up to 19 segments. The insect also has a V-shaped suture on the chest.
The head is retracted, in the form of a "stigma". It pushes forward, making the proboscis very soft and able to absorb only liquids. The posterior end is clearly thickened and bears the male fertilizing cells and the female egg-laying formed from the abdominal appendages. There are long antennae on the head.
Long legs are affected, which often have predetermined break points and, accordingly, quickly come off. They are highly elongated. In centipede mosquitoes (with the exception of the genus Indotipula, the legs have large processes called spurs. In addition to two large faceted eyes, some species have rudimentary eyes on the head.
Now you know whether the centipede mosquito is dangerous or not. Let's see where these insects are found.
Habitat
Malaria mosquitoes are very tenacious and able to adapt to any conditions. They are absent only in Antarctica, and at the extreme point of the north (southern part of Karelia).
There are 440 species of these dangerous insects all over the world. Although the percentage of inhabitants in our area is extremely small, 10 species inhabit regions of Russia (mainly Western Siberia and the European part of the country) and neighboring countries. In the east of Siberia, the existing harsh conditions do not leave them a chance to survive.
In order for the malaria mosquito to transmit plasmodia to a person, it must go through all stages of development and complete its life cycle, but the natural conditions of the Far East do not contribute to this, therefore there is no malaria there either.
Interesting!
Anopheles mosquitoes winter in the form of fertilized females. Malaria parasites inside the female do not survive the winter, so the first spring mosquitoes are not carriers of the terrible disease. In order for the malaria mosquito to infect a person again, the female will need to drink the blood of a patient with malaria, survive for 2 weeks (every second female dies within 4 days) and after the formation of parasites, bite the person. Therefore, the chance of contracting malaria in Russia tends to zero.
For a safe existence, malaria mosquitoes need clean water bodies and a certain temperature of air and water.
The larva feels great at temperatures from 10 ° C to 35 ° C. But the most suitable temperature is considered to be at least 25 ° C and always in shaded reservoirs. The optimum water temperature for the larva is 30 ° C, but not higher than 38 ° C.
Anopheles mosquito appears in Russia after the winter cold. Activity begins in April, but only from the end of June it increases significantly and their number also increases. Insects are nocturnal. During the day, they hide in darkened areas of living quarters.
Where does the centipede mosquito live?
Photo: Insect mosquito centipede
Insects are ubiquitous on all continents.They are absent only in arid, waterless areas, on small oceanic islands with year-round ice or snow cover, in addition, in the center of the Arctic + Antarctic. The fauna of the world is estimated at about 4200 insect species. These very noticeable crumbs are represented by a wide variety of species in almost every biogeographic region (excluding Antarctica).
The number of available species was distributed by region as follows:
- Palaearctic region - 1280 species;
- Nearctic kingdom - 573 species;
- neotropical region - 805 species;
- Afrotropical region - 339 species;
- Indomalayan zone - 925 species;
- australasia - 385 species.
Larval habitats are concentrated in all types of freshwater and semi-saline environments. Some species are found in wet cushions of mosses or marshchants. The Ctenophora Meigen species are found in rotting wood or turf logs. Larvae of such species as Nephrotoma Meigen or Tipula Linnaeus are frequent guests of dry soils of pastures, steppes and lawns.
Larvae of the Tipulidae group are also found in rich organic soil and mud, in humid areas of the forest, where there is a lot of saturated humus, in leaves or mud, decaying plant parts or fruits that are at different stages of decay. Larvae play an important role in the soil ecosystem as they recycle organic material and increase microbial activity in sediments.
Geography of settlements
Malaria mosquitoes can be found in various parts of the world, except for the North and South Poles. But the danger is borne by those who live in countries where outbreaks of malaria are noted. Usually these are subtropics, zones with a humid and warm climate. Most of all they are inhabited by the southern part of Africa, Asia, America.
In the total number of the class, there are more than 400 species of this mosquito. There are no more than 10 representatives living in Russia. You can meet them in the west of Siberia, the Caucasus, in the Krasnodar Territory.
The consequences of an anopheles mosquito bite if it has not come into contact with an infected person will be minimal. Swamp fever can only be contracted from an infected insect.
It is interesting that arthropods live and breed in stagnant bodies of water. That is why, to reduce the population, artificial drainage of swamps is carried out.
About the malaria mosquito
What does the centipede mosquito eat?
Photo: Large mosquito centipede
Adults feed on the available open sap of plants such as water and nectar, as well as pollen. They cannot absorb other denser foods through their mouthpieces. While the larvae absorb decaying plant remains, but besides this, the tissues of living plants, which cause significant damage to forestry and agriculture. Most people do not correctly identify large mosquitoes from this family, mistaking them for dangerous malaria mosquitoes. Many people believe that they bite very painfully.
Interesting fact: The widespread assumption that long-stemmed mosquitoes "sting" people has already been refuted by researchers by the fact that the sting of these mosquitoes cannot penetrate human skin.
The digestion process itself is curious. The main part of their diet consists of plant foods, consisting of overly persistent substances that are difficult to assimilate. Namely fiber and lignin. For their assimilation, single-celled living organisms come to the aid of the larvae, which massively appear in the intestines of the larvae. These cellular organisms secrete enzymes that aid in the digestion of fiber.
The main foodstuffs for the larvae of long-legged mosquitoes include:
- humus;
- plant roots;
- moss;
- seaweed;
- detritus.
The internal unicellular organisms of the larvae help food to be enriched with the necessary substances, as a result of which the food is easily absorbed.Moreover, in the intestines of the larvae there are special blind outgrowths in which food is retained and where special conditions are created for the reproduction of microorganisms. This type of digestive system is also found in vertebrates such as horses, and not just in insects.
Danger to people
The non-standard appearance of the centipede leaves some people in unaccountable awe. But in reality, this is the only representative of the dipteran squad in the world who does not drink human and animal blood. Caramore feeds only on plant material and dew, and some individuals do not eat food at all.
The largest mosquito cannot bite a person due to the lack of a sharp proboscis and sting. Many are frightened by sharp growths at the end of the body, which are just ovipositor. Fighting for the continuation of the genus, the female jumps above the ground, pierces it with a sharp tip and lays eggs.
Having flown into the dwelling in the light of an electric lamp, the insect will rush about randomly, trying to find a way out. Some people confuse the caramore mosquito with the malarial mosquito, although the latter is smaller and has a different appearance.
Features of character and lifestyle
Photo: Mosquito centipede
Especially in the evenings, centipede mosquitoes often form small flocks. Different species fly in very different seasons. Marsh mosquito (Tipula Oleracea) flies from April to June, and in the second generation from August to October. The noxious centipede (T. paludosa) flies only in August and September, the Art Tipula czizeki - only in October and November. Probably, this different temporal appearance is a mechanism for the separation of species and prevents interbreeding.
Fun fact: These insects have a funny design feature - they have halteres next to the porches. These vestigial outgrowths likely help balance in flight, increasing maneuverability.
The larvae of the centipede mosquito can be harmful if spread widely, especially on vegetables. The soil can live up to 400 larvae per square meter, where they can destroy plantations by damaging the roots, and at night harming plant surfaces. Among the most harmful species are the noxious centipede (T. paludosa), marsh centipede (T. oleracea), T. czizeki and various other species, which mainly feed on young plants in the forest.
The larvae of some species also consume other living aquatic invertebrates and insects, which could potentially consist of mosquito larvae, although this has not been officially documented. Many adults have such a short lifespan that they eat practically nothing, and despite the widespread belief that adult centipede mosquitoes prey on mosquito populations, they are anatomically incapable of killing or consuming other insects.
Are they dangerous to humans?
Despite the fact that caramora is completely indifferent to blood, the insect is a serious problem for agricultural land. The following representatives of the order of Diptera insects can bring the greatest harm:
- Marsh centipede;
- Cabbage caramora;
- Autumn ballerina.
These pests have a detrimental effect on plant crops that love moisture. Caramora larvae can destroy a significant part of the crop sown on moist mineral soil and peat bogs. A ballerina can harm berries, legumes, root crops and cereals. Sown pastures located near water are most susceptible to mass attack by caramora larvae.
In the summer period, the centipedes fight the larvae, as with all pests, with the help of modern insecticidal agents and do fall plowing. In summer cottages, the same methods are used to fight the ballerina. However, if there is no reservoir near your site, there is nothing to worry about, the larvae will not be able to damage the crop.
Now you know why big mosquitoes are dangerous.
Social structure and reproduction
Photo: Black centipede mosquito
An adult female, in most cases, already has mature eggs when she crawls out of the pupa, and mates almost immediately if there is a male. Males also seek out females while flying at this time. Copulation takes from a few minutes to several hours and can be performed in flight. Adults have a life span of 10 to 15 days. The female immediately lays eggs, mainly in moist soil or in algae.
Few stir their eggs on the surface of a pond or on dry soil, and some simply throw them in flight. As a rule, the female flies slightly above the ground in search of a suitable deposit. In some species (such as Tipula scripta and Tipula hortorum), the female digs a small cavity in the ground, after which she lays eggs. In some species, females produce several hundred eggs.
Cylindrical, usually gray larvae without legs or other stepped locomotion organs slide out of the eggs. Unlike fly larvae, mosquito larvae have a head capsule, but this (unlike a mosquito) is located behind an incompletely closed (hemisphere). A distinctive feature of the larvae are two posterior stigmas, which are surrounded by a dark field and six species-specific extensions.
Most species of mosquito have black-colored larvae. With the help of a special thread, they can anchor the egg in an aqueous or humid environment. These flypaper-larvae of the centipede mosquito have been found in many types of habitats on land and in water. They are cylindrical in shape, but taper towards the anterior end, and the cephalic capsule is often retracted into the chest. The belly itself is smooth, covered with hairs, protrusions or spots that look like a welt.
Interesting fact: Larvae can feed on microflora, algae, living or decaying plant sediments, including wood. Some of the centipedes are carnivores. The mandibles of the larvae are very strong and difficult to crush. Larvae are an important link in the processing of foliage and needles.
The adult larvae of Tipula maxima, about five centimeters long, live in forest streams and feed on fall foliage. Aid in the production of poorly digestible cellulosic food occurs through the fermentation chamber. After four larval stages, they pupate, with the result that small horns are formed on the doll in the chest area as a respiratory organ. The body is studded with thorns, and the doll itself is flexible. Pupation usually occurs in the ground or rotten wood. In some species, pupae overwinter; in other species, two generations a year can be observed.
Life span
The largest mosquito in the world has a short lifespan. The female lives for a maximum of 2 months, the male a little less. Females, born at the end of August, do not breed, but accumulate strength for a good wintering.
After a cold snap, they squeeze into the cracks and freeze until spring. Upon waking up, they immediately begin to lay eggs in the nearest body of water. There is no spring breeding for caramore.
Like other insects, large mosquitoes have their natural weight. Their reproduction and growth is an important link in the food chain of all earthly inhabitants. They provide significant benefits in the aquarium hobby. Karamore is another proof that any living creature should be judged by real facts, and not by external appearance.
Natural enemies of the centipede mosquito
Photo: What does a centipede mosquito look like?
Centipedes move with difficulty on overly elongated limbs. These legs often save their lives. When an attack occurs from the side of a predator and it clings to a protruding limb, it easily breaks off, and the individual then remains alive and can fly away.
Larvae and adults become valuable prey for many animals, namely:
- insects;
- fish;
- spiders;
- birds;
- amphibians;
- mammals.
In addition to its important role as a process for processing rotting substances, the centipede mosquito is an excellent food source for many nesting birds at this time of year. Thus, on these warm spring evenings, when you can see these large mosquitoes swarming around the lamp on the porch, you need to cast aside all fears and calmly rest.
There are other centipede mosquitoes that fall outside the Tipulidae and Pediciidae families, but they are not closely related to them. These include ptychopteridae, winter mosquitoes, and tanderid mosquitoes (Ptychopteridae, Trichoceridae, and Tanyderidae, respectively). The most famous of these is the phantom mosquito Bittacomorpha clavipes, a large insect that flies with inflated legs (“feet”), helping to lift its long black and white legs into the air.
Are they biting or not?
The most important questions that haunt many adults and children: do large mosquitoes bite people and what will happen if a large mosquito bites? The fear of this insect is quite justified, seeing a mosquito of such an impressive size, it is difficult to remain calm. However, there is no need to worry, the ballerina does not have piercing bristles with which you can pierce the skin. Therefore, the centipede simply cannot physically drink human blood.
Caramora can feed on the nectar of plants due to its long proboscis. There are enough insects that absolutely do not need a food source. After leaving the state of the pupa, the main task of the ballerina is to reproduce and lay eggs.
Ploskoski
European relatives of mushrooms lead a similar lifestyle. Some species glow at night.
What happens if an anopheles mosquito bites and what to do if it bites?
The appearance and lifestyle of the malaria mosquito is very slightly different from the ordinary mosquito that we find everywhere. However, its bite can pose a serious health hazard. In this article, we will find out the main symptoms and treatments for an anopheles mosquito bite.
Do anopheles mosquitoes bite? Yes, an anopheles mosquito can bite a person, but whether a bite is dangerous for our health, it becomes clear from the name of this insect. This mosquito can carry a dangerous disease such as malaria. Until now, this disease takes the lives of about a million people around the world every year. Although the largest percentage of deaths occurs in tropical countries, malaria mosquitoes are common throughout the world and are found even in areas where the disease is considered eradicated. In our country, this type of insect can be found throughout the European part, as well as in Western Siberia.
It is also worthwhile to understand that the bite of this mosquito itself is not dangerous, an insect can infect a person with malaria only if, before that, he drank the patient's blood and became infected.
An anopheles mosquito bite has the following symptoms:
What an anopheles mosquito bite looks like, you can see in the photo:
As you can see, they are no different from the bite of an ordinary mosquito. How to understand that it is an anopheles mosquito that has bitten? Unfortunately, this can be difficult, most often a person can understand this already when malaria begins to manifest itself. So, an anopheles mosquito bite has the following symptoms:
- Convulsions.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Tingling sensation in the body.
- Joint pain.
- Chills and fever.
- Headaches.
- Bloody urine.
- Anemia.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Cerebral ischemia.
One of the first signs is fever. Do not ignore this symptom, since the disease is deadly, especially for children and pregnant women. Once in the body, malaria causes the following changes:
- Within half an hour, parasites penetrate the liver, starting to develop there, increasing its size and destroying it.
- Also, microbes enter the bloodstream, destroying red cells.This causes anemia, fever appears.
- Death usually occurs after the clogging of the cerebral blood vessels.
Malaria insect
There is another type of mosquito, the size of which also prevents it from remaining unnoticed (up to 1 cm on average). It is called malarial, in appearance it is similar to a centipede, which is why they are often confused. It got this name due to the fact that it has the ability to carry the causative agent of malaria and infect a person with this disease when bitten.
Malaria insect
The malaria mosquito belongs to the Diptera family, it is found everywhere, the only exception is Antarctica. In Russia, there are about 10 varieties. The body of the insect in question is oblong. The head is small, with a long proboscis on it. The appearance is characterized by long legs and scaly wings. The latter, outside the state of flight, can fold horizontally in relation to the body. You can also find them with a spotted color.
They have several pairs of legs, and the hind legs are much longer than the front ones. On the head, in addition to the sting, antennae are also located. They are long enough to recognize an anopheles mosquito. Before landing on a person, the mosquito makes characteristic circular movements in the air during flight. Insects breed exclusively in water bodies, and not everyone is suitable for this process. The water should be clean, there may be very few plants at the bottom. Representatives love only filamentous algae, they allow them to shelter the larvae from predators.
Bloodsucker
From the laid eggs, larvae appear, which have a well-developed body and head. A large number of special tools in the form of brushes are presented on the head, which are used to absorb food. The body is visually divided into segments, but there are no legs, even false ones.
Due to the peculiarities in the respiratory system, when in water, they are located parallel to the surface. Respiratory processes are carried out with the help of spiracles, due to which the larvae often have to emerge to absorb air.
They live, as a rule, in shallow water bodies that are well lit. The optimal temperature regime depends on the type of anopheles mosquito, therefore it varies from 10 to 35 degrees.
Having got acquainted with the features and distinctive features of the largest mosquitoes, you can safely go for a walk. At the same time, it is recommended to adequately respond to large insects of this family and only if necessary to resort to certain protective and safety measures.
