Common House Mosquitoes are scientifically known as Culex Pipiens. These mosquitoes are found in warm human habitats, be it houses, factories, theatres and even vehicles. Culex are the most commonly found Mosquitoes, but fortunately, are considered the least dangerous. Males live in woodlands, grasslands and forests. Females prefer human habitat and lay eggs in stagnant water.Once the larva becomes an adult, it remains stationary on the water surface until its body is fully hardened and its wings are dry and ready for the first flight.
| Common name | Common House Mosquitoes |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Culex Pipiens |
| Size | 40 to 50 mm |
| COLOR | Bronze or blue-green |
| Habitat | Hiding in barrels, can, garden pots and used tyres |
| Life span | Three to five weeks |
Eggs:Adult females lay 100 to 300 eggs per batch. Eggs are between 0.40 to 0.50 mm long, convex below and concave above. The females lay their eggs near ponds or rainwater seepage areas and ditches. The eggs lack a collar at the anterior end of the egg. They will hatch two days later.
Larva: The larva of Common House Mosquitoes has a broad head and long antennae with a large tuft at the end. They have an up curved siphon and a curved pre apical spine at the end of the siphon. The larva will live in the water for approximately 1 to 2 weeks, coming up to the surface occasionally for oxygen.
Pupa:When larva enters the pupa phase, it will float on top of the water from 1 to 4 days. The pupa has two major body parts, a thorax and an abdomen. A pair of trumpets containing breathing spiracles is present on the thorax.
Adult:Once it becomes an adult, the Common House Mosquito will remain stationary on the water surface until the body is fully hardened and its wings are dry and ready for flight. In female Mosquitoes, the thorax possesses a scutum lacking a crostichal setae.The average lifespan of this Mosquito is 3 to 5 weeks.
DISEASES CAUSED: Although Common House Mosquito is a primary vector for Malaria, Dengue and Yellow Fever, it can transmit a number of other illnesses that can present serious health problems to human beings.
