What is the Difference Between Dengue Mosquito and Normal Mosquito?

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There are several differences between dengue mosquitoes and normal mosquitoes. The main distinguishing factor is that dengue mosquitoes carry the dengue virus in their saliva and transmit it to humans through their bites, while normal mosquitoes do not carry the dengue virus. Here are some key differences between the two:

  1. Size: Dengue mosquitoes are generally smaller than normal mosquitoes.
  2. Appearance: Dengue mosquitoes have characteristic black and white markings on their bodies and legs, and they appear midge-like. Normal mosquitoes are larger and belong to the class Culicidae.
  3. Feeding time: Dengue mosquitoes feed on blood during the daytime, while normal mosquitoes rest in cool places during the day and feed during dawn or dusk.
  4. Bite: A dengue mosquito's bite is difficult to feel, while a normal mosquito's bite is painful and can be felt on the skin. Dengue mosquito bites are also described as sharper and more intense than normal mosquito bites.
  5. Living conditions: Dengue mosquitoes primarily live indoors and cannot survive in cold weather, while normal mosquitoes can be found both indoors and outdoors.
  6. Breeding habits: Dengue mosquitoes lay their eggs on stagnant water, while normal mosquitoes can lay eggs on stagnant water, water edges, or aquatic plants.
  7. Biting habits: Dengue mosquitoes are most active for two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset, typically biting people inside their homes or indoors in general.

Comparative Table: Dengue Mosquito vs Normal Mosquito

Here is a table comparing the differences between dengue mosquitoes and normal mosquitoes:

Feature Dengue Mosquito Normal Mosquito
Description Carries dengue-causing particles in their saliva. Belongs to the class Culicidae and does not carry dengue-causing particles.
Appearance Characteristic black and white markings on their bodies and legs. Appears midge-like and is 3-6mm in length.
Feeding Time Feeds on blood during the daytime. Feeds during dawn or dusk.
Egg Laying Lays eggs on stagnant water. Can lay eggs on stagnant water, water edges, or aquatic plants.
Bite Bite is not painful and cannot be felt. Bite is painful and can be felt on the skin.

Dengue mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes species, can transmit the dengue virus, while normal mosquitoes do not carry dengue-causing particles. Dengue mosquitoes are small in size, with white bands on their legs, and have silver-white scales on their body. They typically bite during the daytime and lay their eggs on stagnant water. On the other hand, normal mosquitoes, such as those belonging to the Culicidae family, do not carry dengue-causing particles and have a different appearance. They feed during dawn or dusk and can lay their eggs on various surfaces, including water edges and aquatic plants.