What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?

Worldwide, there are over 3,000 mosquito species and they share common characteristics, especially in their appearance. These include:

• Adult mosquitoes measure approximately ¼ to ½ inch in length and weigh under 2.5 mg.
• Their colors vary by species, with those commonly found in the U.S. often being gray or brown with white stripes and shimmering, hair-like scales. 
• Mosquitoes are identifiable by their two long wings, slender humpback-shaped bodies, and characteristically long legs. 
• They are equipped with a long proboscis, composed of mouthparts designed for sucking fluids.

How Do You Know if It’s a Mosquito?

Mosquitoes can easily be mistaken for other insects, but they have these distinct features: scale-covered wings (which give them a fringe-like appearance) and a proboscis-like beak. Due to their small size, people frequently confuse larger insects with mosquitoes. Observing the behavior of the insects can help in identifying them.

What Bugs Look Like Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are commonly confused with midges, crane flies, mayflies, and gnats. Here’s how those insects are different from mosquitoes:

1. Crane flies, often called mosquito hawks, resemble large mosquitoes but are about twice their size and do not bite. 
2. Mayflies have larger, upward-slanting wings and lack a proboscis, making them harmless as they neither bite nor sting. 
3. While somewhat similar to mosquitoes, midges and gnats rarely bite, do not transmit diseases, and can be identified by their lack of a proboscis and tendency to form large swarms.

What Types of Mosquitoes are Found in Mid-South TN?

Around 150 mosquito species are found across the nation, with four prevalent species in Mid-South TN. These species can appear quite similar, making professional assistance from a mosquito extermination expert advisable for accurate identification.