Yellow fever mosquito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aedes aegypti |
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Ae. aegypti
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| Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)
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The Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, is a small insect. It is famous for being able to spread viruses that cause diseases. These diseases include dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
You can easily spot this mosquito by its unique look. It has white stripes on its legs. It also has a special marking on its back, called the thorax, that looks like a lyre (a type of harp). This mosquito is quite small, usually about half a centimeter long.
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What is the Aedes aegypti Mosquito?
The Aedes aegypti is a type of mosquito that lives in tropical and subtropical areas. This means it likes warm places. It is known for biting people mostly during the daytime. This is different from many other mosquitoes that bite at night.
Why is this Mosquito Important?
This mosquito is very important because it can carry and spread harmful viruses. When an Aedes aegypti mosquito bites a person who has a virus, it can pick up the virus. Then, when it bites another person, it can pass the virus to them. This is how diseases like dengue and yellow fever spread.
Diseases Spread by Aedes aegypti
- Dengue Fever: This disease causes high fever, headaches, and body aches. It can make people very sick.
- Chikungunya: This virus causes fever and severe joint pain. The pain can last for a long time.
- Yellow Fever: This is a serious disease that can cause fever, muscle pain, and yellow skin. There is a vaccine to prevent yellow fever.
Where Do Aedes aegypti Live?
These mosquitoes prefer to live close to people. They are often found in and around homes. This is because they need blood to lay their eggs. They also like to lay their eggs in small amounts of water.
Where They Lay Eggs
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay their eggs in clean, standing water. They do not need much water at all. Common places include:
- Water in flower pots
- Old tires
- Buckets
- Pet water dishes
- Clogged gutters
- Bird baths
The eggs can survive for a long time even when dry. When water returns, the eggs can hatch.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Protecting yourself from Aedes aegypti bites is important. Here are some ways to do it:
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to your skin and clothes.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during the day.
- Use Window Screens: Make sure your windows and doors have screens. This keeps mosquitoes out of your home.
Controlling Mosquitoes Around Your Home
You can also help control these mosquitoes by removing places where they lay eggs:
- Empty Standing Water: Regularly empty and clean containers that hold water. Do this at least once a week.
- Clean Gutters: Make sure your rain gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
- Cover Water Containers: If you store water, keep it covered tightly.
Images for kids
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Male (left) and female (center and right) Ae. aegypti E.A. Goeldi, 1905
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Ae. aegypti mosquito distribution in the United States, 2016
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Ae. aegypti feeding on a human
