Pest Resources

Male Vs Female Mosquito

Male vs Female Mosquito: Facts

Mosquitoes are a species known for being one of the most annoying flying insects. Mosquito populations carry diseases that can easily transfer to you if you get bitten.

You should know that the mosquitoes annoying you aren’t both male and female mosquitoes.  

 

Close up photo of a female mosquito

Here, we help you understand the difference between both sexes of male and female mosquitoes.

Let’s have a look at the things we will cover:

  • Things you should know about male mosquitoes

  • Things you should know about female mosquitoes

  • The differences between male and female mosquitoes

  • Which of the two should you be wary of, male vs. female?

  • Whose bites should you worry about, male vs. female?

Things You Should Know About Male Mosquitoes vs. Female Mosquitoes

Male mosquitoes are often equally blamed for the trouble that mosquitoes cause. The truth is that male mosquitoes are harmless, as they stay away from humans because they only feed on nectar.

When it comes to their appearance, males look pretty similar to females, and it is difficult telling them apart.

 

The only difference that you will be able to see between males and females is through a magnifying glass.

Both sexes are different in terms of the buzzing noise they make with their wings. Males flap their wings at a slower rate, around 450-700 per second, and, therefore, the sound produced is a lower pitch; female mosquitoes buzz at a far higher pitch, and females flap their wings at 350-550 per second. WOW!

Things You Should Know About Female Mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes are the members of the species that lay eggs. Mating just once in their lifetime, females carry sperm and fertilize an egg when it is near stagnant water.

While there is no way to tell males and females apart with the naked eye, you should know that they are different when looked at through the microscope.

Female mosquitoes are gray and have a needle-like proboscis to pierce animal and human skin. Only females, not males, buzz around living things looking for a blood meal.

Female mosquitoes have sensory receptors on the antennae to help detect heat, carbon dioxide, and blood in human beings and animals so they can feed. The females do not have feathery antennae.

The Differences Between Male And Female Mosquitoes

Let’s have a look at the significant differences between male and female mosquitoes. 

  • Appearance

Male vs. female: Male and female mosquitoes both have a proboscis. One difference between mosquito populations is the female has a more needle-like proboscis used for piercing skin. Male mosquitoes do not have a proboscis strong enough to do so. There is no limit to the number of times a person can be bitten by a female mosquito.

The male mosquito has a feathery appearance to its antennae. The feathery antennae aid a male mosquito with hearing to detect a female for mating. Along with this, female mosquitoes are generally larger than their male counterparts.

  • Lifespan 

Male vs. female: The life cycle of mosquitoes starts once the eggs are laid. Up to 300 at once. Eggs are laid in areas of stagnant water. They take about four days to two weeks to get to adult size.

Male mosquitoes live for about two weeks, whereas females can live up to a month. 

  • Behavior

Male vs. female: A female mosquito’s proboscis is created to ensure that they are able to pierce human skin and animals’ skin. Only females feed on blood, and only after mating do females seek out animal or human blood.

Females seek blood to produce eggs and to ensure they get protein and energy for the development of their eggs.

Which Of The Two Should You Be Wary Of, Male vs. Female?

Male mosquitoes don’t pose a threat to you. Males do not bite, as opposed to female mosquitoes that bite. Only female mosquitoes will be surrounding you and biting.

Along with this, you should make sure that you are taking all the relevant precautions when it comes to keeping yourself safe from bites. Some precautions include:

  • Using mosquito repellents

  • Getting mosquito net beds

  • Seeking medical advice for malaria prevention

  • Cover exposed skin, and avoid wearing short sleeves or shorts

Do male or female mosquitoes bite?

When it comes to whether male mosquitoes do any biting, you should know that the only one biting you is the female mosquito.

Do male mosquitoes bite?: A Male mosquito does not bite humans, as they do not have to produce eggs. They feed on sugary fluids like nectar only. So, the possibility of them biting you is zero.

Do female mosquitoes bite?: Yes, only female mosquitoes bite; a female mosquito can be harmful when it comes to its bites. They transmit diseases in human blood, spreading Malaria, Yellow fever, Zika virus, and Dengue.

How to prevent mosquitoes

  • Remove stagnant water in the yard. Place a thin film of oil on water to kill the larva and pupae stage.

  • Clean roof gutters; they can hold water if they are clogged up.

  • Empty and replace bird bath water and your pet’s water bowls and troughs.

Final Words

The difference between a male mosquito and a female mosquito is noticeable when looking under the microscope. However, you probably won’t be able to tell a difference with your naked eye.

The main difference that you will be able to see is that female mosquitoes are the only mosquito that poses a threat; they are the only ones that bite and pierce human skin to get human blood. Males stick to nectar.

Always ensure you keep safe from being a target of male or female mosquitoes by using the right preventative measures in your life. We discussed Male vs. female mosquito and the differences between a male mosquito and a female mosquito. We hope the article has been helpful.

Ronald has 25 years of pest control experience under his belt. He scrutinizes each pest control method, product and process. Each pest resource we list on our website goes through an in-depth fact checking process.

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