In Australia there are around 400 species but only approximately 10 are commonly abundant and represent a serious pest threat because of their nuisance biting or their ability to transmit disease. (BACK)

Sometimes (but only in the summer!). Some years there are almost none, and others there are many. The lodge site is windy enough to keep them down, and once on the glaciers they tend to become very few.

Mosquitoes belong to a group of insects that requires blood to develop fertile eggs. Males do not lay eggs, thus, male mosquitoes do not bite. The females are the egg producers and "host-seek" for a blood meal. Female mosquitoes lay multiple batches of eggs and require a blood meal for every batch they lay. Few people realize that mosquitoes rely on sugar as their main source of energy. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, fruit juices, and liquids that ooze from plants.

About 3,000 species of mosquitoes have been described on a world-wide basis. Approximately 150 are known to occur in North America. Scientists group species by genus on the basis of the physical characteristics they share. The 3,000 mosquito species found in the world are divided among 28 different genera. The genus Aedes contains some of the worst pests. Many members of the genus Anopheles have the ability to transmit human malaria.

Mosquitoes, like all insects, are cold-blooded creatures. As a result, they are incapable of regulating body heat, and their temperature is essentially the same as their surroundings. Mosquitoes function best at 80o F, become lethargic at 60o F, and cannot function below 50o F. In tropical areas, mosquitoes are active year round. In temperate climates, mosquitoes become inactive with the onset of cool weather and enter hibernation to live through the winter.

Mosquitoes are likely to be active at dusk and dawn. Their activity level is high when temperatures are between 60 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mosquitoes will seek shelter on days when temperatures are not in this range or when there are wind gusts above 10 mph. The Inhibitor has a pleasant citrus scent whereas lotions leave the individual with a strong odor, greasy skin, or a possible skin irritation.