Taxonomy

Mosquitoes are members of the phylum Arthropoda and belong to the class of Insecta. This class is the largest group of animals with respect to the number of species (~773,000) and to individuals. Among other characteristics three body sections are typical of this class.
As sand flies, mosquitoes are members of the suborder Nematocera. Both members can be recognized by their many segmented antennae, which are usually long. Most of the nematocerans are small, slender and long-legged, usually midge- or mosquito-like in appearance.

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Evolution

Mosquitoes are pests of man and animal worldwide. Fossil mosquitoes have been dated to be about 50 million years old.

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Distribution

Mosquitoes are distributed widely throughout the world. They are found at altitudes of over ~4700 m, as well as in mines ~1250 m below sea level.

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Epidemiology

Feeding habit, vector activity including dispersion and host activity or whereabouts of the host is defining the limitations of a possible contact and thus relevant for vector-borne diseases.

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Veterinary and Medical Importance

Veterinary and medical importance of mosquitoes is mainly determined by their capability of disease transmission.

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