What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?
Worldwide, there are more than 3,000 types of mosquitoes. For the most part, they all share very similar characteristics, including the following:
- Adult mosquitoes are smaller than you think, just about ¼ – ½ of an inch long. They weigh less than 2.5 mg.
- Most types of mosquitoes found in the U.S. are gray or brown in color. Some have white stripes, and most are covered in iridescent scales that look like hair.
- All mosquitoes have two long wings, slender bodies that rest in a “humpback” position, and long legs.
- Perhaps the most characteristic feature, mosquitoes have a long proboscis, which is made up of mouthparts that enable the insect to suck fluids.
Mosquitoes Vs. Other Insects
You’ve likely seen other insects and assumed they are mosquitoes. So how do you know if it’s a mosquito you are dealing with? Mosquitoes have two unique body parts that distinguish them from other bugs: scale-covered wings that give them a fringe-like appearance, and their beak-like proboscis. Another way to identify mosquitoes easily is to look at their size. Mosquitoes are oftentimes smaller than you think, which is why people often confuse much larger bugs for these blood-suckers. When confused, get the expert opinion of a pest control expert to help identify mosquitoes or other bugs.
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Bugs That Look Like Mosquitoes
It’s easier than you’d think to misidentify a crane fly, midge, gnat, or mayfly as a mosquito. Here’s how they differ from mosquitoes:
- Crane flies: Also referred to as mosquito hawks, these insects look like giant mosquitoes at nearly double the size of mosquitoes. They are harmless and will not draw blood.
- Mayflies: The mayfly has larger, upward slanting wings and does not possess the proboscis. Mayflies do not bite or sting.
- Midges/gnats: Although somewhat related to mosquitoes, midges rarely bite and do not transmit disease. They appear in large swarms and lack a proboscis.
Types of Mosquitoes Found in Bristol and Johnson City
There are about 150 species of mosquitoes found nationwide. In Tennessee, we’ve dealt with the Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles mosquitoes have been found. To help identify what type of mosquito you are dealing with, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional mosquito exterminator.
What Do Mosquitoes Look Like? in Bristol TN
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