· Mosquitoes are known from as far back as the Triassic Period – 400 million years ago. They are known from North America from the Cretaceous – 100 million years ago.
· There are about 2,700 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 infra-red 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.
· Bigger people are often more attractive 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.
· Women are usually more attractive to mosquitoes than men because of the difference in hormones produced by the sexes.
· Blondes tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes than brunettes.
· Smelly feet are attractive to mosquitoes – as is Limburger Cheese.
· Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes.
· Movement increased mosquito biting up to 50% in some research tests.
· A full moon increased mosquito activity 500% in one study
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