Mosquitoes are insects that act as vectors and transmit various diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile fever, etc. They transmit infectious parasites from one person to another through different species such as Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes.
Let us look at the points of difference between the three types of mosquitoes.
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Aedes Mosquito |
Anopheles Mosquito |
Culex Mosquito |
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Description |
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It is a species of mosquito that causes dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika virus. |
It is a species of mosquito that causes malaria. |
It is a species of mosquito that spread viruses that cause Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus. |
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Distribution |
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The mosquito originated in Africa, but is now found all over the world. |
It is found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Asia pacific. |
They occur worldwide except for the northern part of the temperate zone. It is very common in Los Angeles. |
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Activity |
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It is most active during the daytime. |
It is most active at dawn and dusk but also at night. |
It is most active at dawn and dusk but also at night. |
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Shape of the Eggs |
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Spindle |
Boat |
Cigar |
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Resting Position of the Larvae |
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It rests at a certain angle to the water surface. |
It rests parallel to the water surface. |
It rests at a certain angle to the water surface. |
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Larvae |
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The larvae float obliquely to the surface of the water. |
The larvae float horizontally and have 8 segments. |
The larvae float obliquely to the surface of the water and have 8 segments. |
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Presence of Air Float |
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No |
Yes |
No |
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Eggs |
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It lays eggs in freshwater. |
It lays eggs in freshwater. |
It lays eggs in polluted water. |
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Colour of the Pupa |
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Colourless |
Green |
Colourless |
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Sound |
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It makes very little sound. |
It makes a characteristic sound. |
It makes no sound. |
Explore BYJU’S Biology to learn more.
Also Read:
- How can we control the breeding of mosquitoes?
- By which specialized structure do mosquito larvae breath?
- Why do female Anopheles mosquitoes feed on human blood?
- How do mosquitoes help in spreading viruses /microorganisms?
Frequently Asked Questions
How would you differentiate the female Anopheles from the female Culex?
Culex mosquitoes have stout legs, whereas Anopheles mosquitoes have delicate legs.
How do you identify an Anopheles mosquito?
An anopheles mosquito is usually black to brown in colour, and they have a pair of mouth palps that are the same length as a proboscis.
Where do Anopheles mosquitoes breed?
The anopheles mosquitoes usually breed in the rainy season upon the dirty water pools created by the rain.
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