Should you be afraid of big mosquitoes? Does the huge long-legged mosquito, or caramora, bite? Large centipede mosquito: description, photo
The long-legged mosquito, or caramora, only scares people, but does not bite. It does not have the same piercing bristles as a regular mosquito. The caramora has a short and soft proboscis. And that “thorn”, which many take for a sting, is an ovipositor that is not dangerous to humans. This insect (order Diptera) looks like an enlarged copy of a regular mosquito. We are frightened by a huge mosquito with long legs that hangs from the ceiling or rushes around the room, bumping into people and furniture. And, of course, the centipede has nothing in common with the malaria mosquito.
Long-legged mosquito nicknamed "caramora"
Karamora is the informal name for large and medium-sized centipede mosquitoes. These include several families of insects that are easy for a layman to confuse. The most numerous are: Cylindrotomidae, Limoniidae, Pediciidae and Tipulidae. Karamora can hardly move on her too long, ankle-length legs. These legs often save the life of the centipede. The predator first grabs the insect by its protruding limb, which easily breaks off. The mosquito itself remains alive and flies away. The color of large mosquitoes is gray, grayish-yellow or dirty brown. There are antennae on the elongated head. In males they are feathery or comb-like, and in females they are filamentous. The forewings are narrow and transparent (spotted in some species). The hind wings resemble short processes. They help in flight and are stabilizers.
Caramors meet with early spring before late autumn. Centipedes settle in damp places in forests, meadows, swamps, gardens, orchards and even greenhouses. During the daytime, Karamors are passive. They end up in rooms by chance or fly into the light. Then they lose their bearings and begin to rush from side to side in search of an exit or shelter. Sometimes they fly indoors to wait out the rain or wind. Caramora eggs are laid in soil, moss, rotten wood, and sometimes in water. These mosquitoes are harmless. Adult centipedes feed sparingly: dew and flower nectar. Their voracious larvae are another matter.
Long-legged mosquito larvae
The larvae of long-legged mosquitoes emerge from eggs laid in the soil, in dust, rotten debris, under fallen leaves and at the bottom of water bodies. They are gray or dirty brown in color. These “worms” can hardly be called cute. They have a head and body with false legs, tracheal gills and various appendages. At the posterior end of the abdomen there is a pair of spiracles, around which there are fleshy outgrowths.
In the Moscow region, a large caramora, Tipula maxima, is common. Its large grayish-brown larvae can be seen crawling on the ground, on fallen leaves and in mud. At the end of the body, tufts of short hairs surrounding the respiratory appendages are noticeable. Dirty gray larvae of pedicia (Pedicia rivosa) have false legs that allow them to move along the muddy bottom. The larva of the long-legged mosquito (Dicranota bimaculata) is “equipped” better than others. It is easier for her to move through silt or wet sand thanks to ten false legs (five pairs). Each leg has a special device - a tiny hook, which allows it not to slide off uneven bottoms. The larva survives even in very dirty water, since it breathes simultaneously through the skin, with the help of gill appendages and receives fresh air through a breathing tube directed to the surface of the water. The family Cylindrotomidae includes amazing larvae, which from the outside seem like... moss growing on the bottom. Larvae settle among aquatic plants, where they feel comfortable, safe and well-fed.
All larvae are incredibly voracious. They find food underwater and on land. Their delicacies include algae, rotting plants, roots of garden crops and tree seedlings. The larva of the garden centipede causes a lot of trouble for people. It is she who, more often than other species, gnaws the roots of cultivated plants.
Large mosquitoes always attract people's attention, disturbing and annoying at the same time. When meeting with huge individuals everyone gets scared and considers the insect poisonous, so no one can calmly watch them. Is it so? Is every large mosquito dangerous? What are such representatives of this family called?
More about the centipede
The largest mosquito in the world is the centipede. The long-legged mosquito, or caramora, is a dipterous and long-whiskered insect. Around 4,000 species have been recorded worldwide. Prefers to settle in areas with high and moderate humidity.
It lives on absolutely all continents. About 1,200 species of centipedes are represented on the territory of the Euro-Asian continent, including those found in Russia. Most often they live in forests, near rivers, ponds, swamps; they love dampness, which makes it possible for them to live almost everywhere. This hefty mosquito cannot be found in the desert, where there is absolutely no water, on small areas of land in the ocean that are always covered with snow, as well as in Antarctica and the Arctic.
If you look at its appearance, you can highlight the gray color of the body. In addition, there are variants with a gray-green, gray-yellow or gray-brown body. What size allows us to call the insect in question the largest mosquito? The length of its body can reach 10 cm (among inhabitants of the tropics), but on average this value is 5 cm. The head is elongated, with mustaches and eyes located on it. The whiskers are presented in the form of a large number of jointly located segments, their number on average is 13. There can be 2 pairs of eyes, with one pair being faceted ( big size), the second - ordinary (small).
The mosquito is characterized by very long and thin legs, which are due to the lower legs, but the legs are not far behind in this regard. A special feature of the legs is the presence of elongated spurs on the shins. As for the wings, there are 2 pairs of them: in front - large, narrow, they are transparent or with spots, and in the back - small and short, which help insects fly.
Unlike ordinary mosquitoes, caramoras do not have special bristles, but their proboscis is quite short.
They lay eggs in a variety of places: in water, moss, leaves, plants, wood, and on the ground. They do this with the help of a special thorn called an ovipositor, it is very similar to a sting.
The eggs hatch into larvae after a short period of time. gray. They are endowed with a head with gills and false legs, in addition, they have other outgrowths.
It is a mistaken opinion that the mosquitoes in question bite, and even strongly. In fact, their bite is not at all dangerous to human health. The only harm from centipedes is that they can scare you with their large size. This is especially true for those who were previously not aware of their existence and encountered them in the wild.
Karamors can only consume nectar as food, but their larvae feed on the remains of vegetation. Only in certain cases can they consume live plants. There are known cases where these mosquitoes caused great damage to agriculture.
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You can see long-legged mosquitoes at any time of the year, except winter. They are active only at night. Moves quite slowly. Often this insect is subject to attacks from a large number of predators, and they manage to escape due to their long legs. So, the attacker grabs them by the protruding section of the leg, which easily comes off, which allows the centipede to fly away.
In Europe, the most common variety of caramora is called tipula maxima. They lay larvae on wet fallen leaves, moss and tree bark. Their peculiarity is the presence of a large number of short hairs along the entire surface of the body.
In addition to the species discussed above, there are also other representatives of the Karamora. For example, pedicia and dicranota. The first is characterized by the fact that its larvae are dark gray in color and are most often found in silt. Dikranota, in turn, has a large number of small tentacles ( false pedicles), which help to move through the mud. Dicranota larvae are distinguished by their enormous ability to survive, even in the most inaccessible places. The respiratory function is carried out through the skin and gills, so the habitat can even be very clogged water. It feeds on algae and other plants that are characteristic of the aquatic world.
There is another type of mosquito, the size of which also does not allow it to go unnoticed (on average up to 1 cm). It is called malarial, because external signs similar to the centipede, which is why they are often confused. It received this name due to the fact that it has the ability to carry the malaria pathogen and infect a person with this disease through a bite.
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The malaria mosquito belongs to the Diptera family and is found everywhere, with the only exception being Antarctica. There are about 10 varieties in Russia. The body of the insect in question is oblong in shape. The head is small, on it - long proboscis. Appearance characterized by long legs and scaly wings. The latter, when not in flight, can be folded horizontally relative to the body. You can also find them with spotted colors.
They have several pairs of legs, and the hind limbs are much longer than the front ones. On the head, in addition to the sting, there are also antennae. They are long enough, which makes it possible to recognize the malaria mosquito. Before landing on a person, the mosquito makes characteristic circular movements in the air during flight. Insects reproduce exclusively in bodies of water, and not everyone is suitable for this process. The water must be clean; there may be very few plants at the bottom. Representatives love only filamentous algae; they allow the larvae to be hidden from predators.
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From the laid eggs, larvae emerge that have a well-developed body and head. The head contains a large number of special devices in the form of brushes, which are used to absorb food. The body is visually divided into segments, but there are no legs, even false ones.
Due to the peculiarities of the respiratory system, when in water they are located parallel to the surface. Respiratory processes are carried out using spiracles, due to which the larvae often have to surface to absorb air.
They usually live in shallow bodies of water that are well lit. Optimal temperature regime depends on the type of malaria mosquito, so it varies from 10 to 35 degrees.
Having become familiar with the features and distinctive features the most large mosquitoes, you can safely go for a walk. It is recommended to respond appropriately to large insects of this family and only if necessary resort to certain protection and safety measures.
Everyone knows these buzzing and biting insects called mosquitoes. Modern science more than 4,000 species are known, and if we take the territory of the former Soviet Union, then there are about 400 here. The centipede mosquito, the photo of which is in front of you, is the largest among all its relatives, it also has another name - caramora.
From the first title it becomes clear that distinguishing feature kind - long legs. When is that big creature flies into the room at the light, his appearance will scare anyone. The thought immediately arises that this is a malaria mosquito, and one immediately imagines what would happen if such a miracle were desired human blood. In fact, there is no need to be afraid of the caramora; the long-legged insect does not harm humans, except perhaps in terms of spoiling plants.
Large centipede mosquito: description, photo
Karamora has a slender body ranging from 2 to 60 mm in length, tropical climate there are many centipedes bigger size- up to 10 cm. The insect's abdomen is elongated, consisting of 9-10 segments. In males it is thickened at the top, while in females it is elongated. The head is oblong, with long antennae with numerous segments (12-19). The compound eyes are black; in addition to them, the caramora may have simple rudimentary ocelli.
The long-legged mosquito has transparent and narrow fore wings; in some varieties they may be spotted. The posterior covers are reduced to halteres - short processes. When an insect flies, they act as a stabilizer.
A characteristic feature of the caramora is its legs. Due to the legs and tarsus, they are extremely elongated. Almost all representatives of this species have large processes, so-called spurs, on their legs.
Habitat
The long-legged mosquito loves places where there is coolness and plenty of water. This insect is found on almost all continents. IN big cities Karamora does not like to live; she is much more comfortable in forests, swamps, and small villages. These creatures often fly through open windows and the doors to the light, thereby terrifying the inhabitants of the house. During the daytime, giant mosquitoes are inactive, but in the evening they become active.
Stages of development
Caramora eggs have an elongated shape, although sometimes round ones are found. They are covered with a black, opaque, dense shell. The larva of the centipede mosquito feels great living in fresh water bodies, soil, forest litter, and rotting wood. It is important for her that the habitat be moist.
The caramora larva is characterized by a large head and strong, well-developed jaws. Thanks to this structure, it is able to easily feed on the remains of plants that are decomposing and gnaw on viable roots.
This huge mosquito in the pupal stage has an elongated shape, the leg covers are pressed tightly to the body, and the abdominal segments are marked with spines arranged in rows across the body. There are also spikes on the head, thanks to which the pupa is able to crawl out of wet soil or rotten wood.
Is blood included in the centipede's diet?
Many people are convinced that all mosquitoes are bloodsuckers, but in reality this is not the case. The long-legged mosquito feeds only on dew and plant nectar; some insects of this species do not eat food at all. The Karamora diet does not include the blood of either animals or humans.
When you look at a long-legged great creature, with horror you begin to imagine how painful this insect can bite. In fact, the centipede cannot bite at all, since nature did not endow it with a piercing proboscis and a sting. The female caramora has a sharp “syringe” at the end of its abdomen, but it is intended to ensure that these mosquitoes continue their race. A “syringe” is nothing more than an ovipositor. When the female jumps above the ground and sticks the tip of her abdomen into the soil, she lays eggs at a shallow depth.
How Karamora escapes from enemies
As mentioned earlier, the centipede mosquito has very long and thin legs, this is its distinctive feature. Such limbs not only give the insect a terrifying appearance, they also help the Karamora escape from enemies. The fact is that if you grab a centipede by the limb, it will instantly fly away, leaving only its thin leg to the invader. This phenomenon is called autotomy: Living being deliberately mutilates himself in order to save his life.
Long-legged mosquito: why is the giant dangerous for humans?
A long-legged insect, flying into the light of a lamp, causes panic among all the inhabitants of the house. Most people confidently claim that this is a malaria mosquito, which is very dangerous for humans. This is another erroneous opinion regarding Karamora, because this creation has nothing in common with the malaria mosquito; it cannot harm a person in any way, since it does not drink blood and does not bite.
If for human body While the long-legged mosquito is completely harmless, a thin-legged insect can cause great damage to plants. There are types of caramora that are rightfully considered dangerous pests. Vegetables, berries and fruit crops. Karamora is an undesirable inhabitant for both forest plantations, and for agriculture.
In residential premises, the giant mosquito feels modest and, having visited people, immediately tries to settle down in a secluded corner and does not at all want to catch the eye of the owners of the house. There is no question that the centipede can attack. So if you see such a long-legged miracle of nature in your corner, do not rush to kill it just because it looks like a malaria mosquito.
No, you shouldn't be afraid of them, they don't bite, they're males...
but on the contrary, it’s better not to kill but to leave at home if he flew to you, and small mosquitoes are females, they drink blood and if they flew to you as a lady, they will not bite you in the presence of a male because they will immediately fly to him
Because mosquitoes more predatory than wolves become
Some kind of mutants! :))
No, I don’t want to hit children
a hut is a beaver’s home... so for your reference
A malaria mosquitoes dangerous yes.. they spread malaria
Well, they can also spread any other infection like ordinary mosquitoes
))) I'll tell you a secret!
While your computer, TV or light is on, close the windows, they just fly towards it, and then wait for darkness) And the bitches attack)
Everything is banally simple. The Hz of your monitor is very small and insufficient for them to pay attention to the arrow from the mouse, since its flickering is much more expressive. You can see this effect on old TVs. There our eyes also managed to catch this flicker. So the animals see it (only very clearly). That's why they don't pay attention to the content.
More likely with a slipper or a newspaper... so what is your main hand? some have a left one... and some are more confident with their legs:) well... judging by their handwriting..
Among other phobias, it takes its well-deserved place fear of insects or entomophobia. People with this phobia hate summer, and vacationing outside the city becomes a real nightmare for them.
Very often, along with entomophobia, a person may develop (fear of spiders). In this case, the person it makes absolutely no difference who exactly is in front of him, the main thing is that it moves, crawls, jumps, flies and scares.
The first signs characterizing the fear of insects appear in humans at approximately age five. This is often due to the fact that the child does not understand what kind of insect he sees, does not know what to expect from this representative of wildlife, and therefore begins to be afraid.
The second reason that psychologists highlight is copying adult behavior. Parents or one of the elders may not suffer from a fear of insects, but still do not have any special sympathy for them. In this case, the child may develop a fear of insects as a consequence of adults telling them that a wasp or other insect should not be touched because it will bite.
And, undoubtedly, entomophobia can develop in a child after he is actually bitten by any insect. Especially if such an incident occurred in early childhood. Connection small insect and pain is deeply rooted in the child’s psyche, and develops a negative attitude towards the entire class.
Children often love to tell horror stories about biting someone big beetle, and about the horrors that followed. Yes, and ourselves adults sometimes provoke disgust and fear in children to insects, scaring them with the fact that for some offense they will certainly be bitten by a terrible beetle or wasp.
Also contribute to the development of entomophobia literary works and feature films.
In addition, scientists believe that fear of insects may be an echo of the memory of generations. Our ancestors were wary of many types of insects because they carried real threat. Now most of the representatives of this class have lost their lethality, but the memory that an insect bite can be followed by terrible disease- stayed.
Living with this phobia is really difficult. Fear of insects forces a person to avoid any contact with representatives of this class. This phobia is especially aggravated in warm time years, when insects surround us everywhere, and even in our own home it is not always possible to cope with annoying mosquitoes or flies. Therefore, entomophobia requires mandatory treatment.
What can you do on your own to eradicate your fear of insects? First of all try to find out more about them. You don’t have to become an entomologist, but reading literature and watching educational films and programs would still be appropriate.
When you see an insect, try to pull yourself together. Breathe deeper, convince yourself that you are much bigger and stronger than this small defenseless creature. Try to find in it positive traits. For example, a bee pollinates flowers, produces honey, and substances obtained as a result of the vital activity of some insects are used in medicine, perfumery, and cosmetology.
Educate willpower, looking through pictures and photographs of insects. Don't run away from every wasp or butterfly with wild scream and panic.
If a child develops a fear of insects, try telling him fairy tales and reading more often. books about kind mosquitoes and ants. Good cartoons about representatives of this class will also help in this matter. Don't set a bad example, try to show your child that insects are not scary.