Skip to main content

Fun Facts

An illustration of a stylized mosquito with exaggerated features.
  • Mosquitoes are known from as far back as the Triassic Period – 400 million years ago. They are known from North America from the Cretaceous Period – 100 million years ago.
  • There are about 3500 species of mosquito. There are 176 species in the United States.
  • The average mosquito weighs about 2.5 milligrams.
  • The average mosquito takes in about 5 millionths of a liter of blood during feeding.
  • Mosquitoes find hosts by sight (they observe movement); by detecting infrared radiation emitted by warm bodies; and by chemical signals (mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid, among other chemicals) at distances of 25 to 35 meters.
  • Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1 to 1.5 miles per hour.
  • Salt marsh mosquitoes can migrate up to 40 miles for a meal.
  • People of greater size are often more attracted to mosquitoes because they are larger targets and they produce more mosquito attractants, namely CO2 and lactic acid.
  • Active or fidgety people also produce more CO2 and lactic acid.
  • Smelly feet are attractive to certain species of mosquitoes – as is Limburger Cheese.
  • Dark clothing has been shown to attract some species of mosquitoes more than lighter-colored clothing.
  • Movement increased mosquito biting by up to 50% in some research tests.
  • A full moon increased mosquito activity by 500% in one study.