Malarial mosquito in Russia: what you need to know

Anopheles, or malarial mosquito, in Russia is represented by 10 species that live in the European part and in Western Siberia. Eastern Siberia for living of this kind is not suitable, as too cold winters kill them. The malarial mosquito has a long history - archaeologists have discovered two species of fossil ancestors of insects. Often Anopheles consider large mosquitoes-long-legs. But this is not so. The size of the malarial mosquito differs little from the usual. If you do not peer closely, then both types are almost identical. How to distinguish a malarial mosquito from an ordinary mosquito? He has longer legs, the tentacles on his head are almost equal in length to the proboscis, the wings are dark spots, the insect planting on the skin is perpendicular to its surface.

Like all representatives of the genus Diptera, the anopheles pass through 4 stages of development: the egg, the larva, the pupa and the adult. The first three pass in the reservoirs and last from a week to two, depending on the climatic zone and weather conditions. The subsequent life of the insect lasts an average of a couple of weeks. During this time, female individuals manage to lay off from 50 to 200 eggs, which one float on the surface of the water. After 3-4 days under favorable conditions, larvae appear from them. They actively eat, grow and at some point throw off their old skin, turning into pupae. The life of a malarial mosquito at the pupal stage is also short. Her shell is cracking, and an adult insect appears, fully formed and ready for independent life.

The malarial mosquito in Russia appears after wintering in April, but until mid-summer the number of insects is extremely small. The largest number is observed from July to autumn. Malarial mosquitoes are nocturnal. Their active life begins at dusk and lasts until dawn. During the day, the Anopheles avoid the illuminated places accessible to the winds, and keep in shaded and protected spaces. The most suitable for them are living quarters. According to the latest WHO data, malarial mosquitoes carry about 150 viruses of various diseases, of which about fifty can affect the human body. By the way, an interesting fact: the AIDS virus malarial mosquitoes can not stand, because the microorganism simply dies in the stomach of the insect.

A malarial mosquito in Russia is quite dangerous for a person in terms of possible infection not only with malaria but also with other infections. Up to 1917 on the territory of our state, up to 8 million cases of diseases were registered annually. By the 1950s, the Soviet Union believed that the disease was completely defeated, but as early as the 70s, malaria cases were again manifested through insect bites. Today, the mosquito mosquito in Russia lives, multiplies and moves uncontrollably. Cases of malaria in the Moscow and Leningrad regions have become more frequent. Experts associate these facts with the migrations of migrants from the southern regions. Malaria is a serious illness. It is treated only in the hospital, and for the next two years it is necessary to observe the doctor.