Getting to know the Culex Mosquito

Culex sp mosquitoes. is a species of mosquito that is widespread throughout the world. Although not as popular as Aedes aegypti which is known as a carrier of the dengue virus or Anopheles which causes malaria, Culex mosquitoes have an important role in the ecosystem and can be significant disease vectors. The life cycle of the Culex mosquito follows the general pattern of mosquito metamorphosis. This process involves four main stages: egg, larva (larva), pupa, and adult. Culex mosquito eggs are laid by the female on the surface of still water, such as puddles, pools, or water tanks. Females are capable of laying 100-400 mosquito eggs. These eggs gather to form a raft on the surface of the water. The eggs will hatch in approximately 48 hours. Culex mosquito larvae or larvae develop in water. They are active in feeding and require oxygen from the air. At this stage, the larvae enter a rapid growth phase and become pupae within a few days. Culex mosquito pupae have a distinctive sac-like shape and do not feed. After a few days, the pupa undergoes metamorphosis into an adult mosquito that is ready to come out of the water. It takes around 13-16 days from egg to adult mosquito.

The Culex mosquito has a distinctive morphology. Adult mosquitoes have a slender body with a length of about 4 to 10 mm. The body color is yellowish brown with the proboscis completely dark, the wing scales are also dark. Another characteristic characteristic of the Culex mosquito is that, on the upper abdomen, (tergit) segments 2-6 have pale scales at the base. (Basal Pale Bands) Females have long, slender jaws to penetrate skin and extract blood, which is necessary for egg development. Male mosquitoes usually feed on nectar and do not suck blood.

With an understanding of the life cycle, morphology, habitat and potential diseases carried by the Culex mosquito, preventive and control measures can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission of diseases caused by this mosquito. These efforts involve eliminating standing water, using mosquito nets, and using mosquito repellants to protect oneself from mosquito bites that have the potential to carry disease.