What is a mosquito?

The word 'mosquito' is spanish for 'little fly' and evidence has been found that they have been present for more than 30 million years. A mosquito (culiciedae) is a small insect with two scaled wings and is about 1.5cm in length. They have antenna and make a buzzing sound when they fly.

A female mosquito is a small insect with two scaled wings. They have antenna and make a buzzing sound when flying. Its scientific name is ‘Culiciedae’. It is about 1.5cm length and date back to the Jurassic period. A female mosquito is a predator with a long mouth called a proboscis. This is used to suck animal or human blood. A male mosquito does not feed on human blood. The female mosquito can spread malaria and viruses such as dengue, yellow fever and encephalitis. It needs the bloods for her larvae to develop. They become more active between dusk and dawn.

What is a midge?

Midges are tiny insects with a wingspan of 1-2mm. They suck blood from the skin which can cause itching and swelling that can last several days. In the summer they can reach vast numbers, especially the Scottish Highlands, Cumbria and North Wales. There are nearly 40 species of biting midges. The highland midge is the most bloodthirsty.

Midges often form huge swarms around the head and can leave itchy lumps but they are not known to pass on diseases.