Mosquitoes are known to most as a flying and annoying insect. But mosquitoes are, in fact, a fascinating species, to such an extent that they've got their dedicated day in the calendar. World Mosquito Day, observed annually on August 20, commemorates British doctor Sir Ronald Ross's 1897 discovery that female anopheline mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

So, what makes mosquitoes so interesting and why is it important to know your mosquitoes? Dr. Milehna Guarido, an entomologist specialised in mosquito research, shares some of her favourite facts we should know about mosquitoes.

How many species of mosquitoes are there?

There are about 3,500 known species of mosquitoes, and they vary widely in their biology, behaviour, and distribution.

Are all mosquitoes dangerous?

While mosquitoes are often seen as dangerous, not all of them bite humans. Only female mosquitoes seek out blood meals. They need the proteins found in blood to help develop their eggs.

Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, are entirely harmless to us. They feed exclusively on plants and can even contribute to plant pollination.

Do all mosquito species feed on blood?

Not all mosquito species feed on blood. For instance, Toxorhynchites mosquitoes, commonly known as elephant mosquitoes, both males and females feed exclusively on sugary substances such as nectar and plant sap.

Interestingly, their larvae are predatory and feed on the larvae of other mosquito species. This makes them a natural regulator of mosquito populations in some environments.

Can mosquitoes transmit any disease?

Despite their role in spreading several serious diseases, it's worth mentioning that mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV, Ebola, or coronavirus. These viruses do not replicate inside the mosquito's body.

Can we protect ourselves from mosquito-borne diseases?

There are vaccines available for some mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, and prophylactic medications can protect you against malaria. Not all mosquito-borne illnesses have vaccines or treatments. That makes other prevention methods essential, especially when travelling to areas where diseases like malaria or dengue are common.

What are other methods of mosquito bite prevention?

You can protect yourself by:

• Using insect repellent on exposed skin;
• sleeping under a mosquito net, especially in high-risk areas;
• wearing protective clothing, such as gear treated with insect-repelling technology. I personally recommend Craghoppers Nosilife, which offers long-lasting protection against both mosquitoes and ticks.

What should I do if I get bitten and feel unwell?

If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms after travelling to a region where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, let your healthcare provider immediately know precisely where you've been. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Would you like to know more about mosquito research and what it's like to be a mosquito specialist? Read our recent interview with Dr. Milehna here.

Milehna Guarido is a Brazilian scientist specialising in medical entomology, based in South Africa. She completed her PhD studies at the University of Pretoria under the TWAS project and has since worked on many other projects funded by the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention). She is also a passionate wildlife photographer, often capturing unexpected wildlife encounters during her work in the field. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.