What Is Mosquito Time?

January 27, 2017 2 min read

Aedis Aegypti by The Solid Bar Company

The big question readers seem to want to know is are mosquitoes nocturnal or not?

Most, but not all, mosquito species are crepuscular and thereby feed at dawn and dusk and for a few hours into the night.  

However, there a few of the more aggressive mosquito species will 'be on the hunt for a feed' at any time of day!

The term crepuscular characterizes creatures that are most active primarily during twilight/half-light (just after dawn/immediately before dusk), as opposed to diurnal (daylight active) or nocturnal (darkness active).

You will note that I have used the terms light or dark or half-light as opposed to day or night rather than use the terms daytime/night-time as it is primarily the light (and associated heat) that affects their activity levels.

So a crepuscular creature could also be active during a very cloudy overcast day or on a very bright moonlit night.

The twilight mosquito zone from The Solid Bar Company

Additionally, mosquitoes are ectothermic (cold-blooded) so they 'prefer' warmth but, conversely, they are also prone to overheating or even drying out in extreme direct sunlight conditions.

Finally, for now, mosquitoes also use their thermal and odour receptors to home in on their hosts.

These two 'feed-seeking weapons' in a mosquito's armoury are much more efficient during the cooler and sometimes more humid, conditions prevalent after darkness descends.

As an aside, there have been several ongoing scientific experiments, such as here, to investigate/research the possibility of disrupting these powerful mosquito receptors as a means of mosquito bite prevention.

You may be interested to read more about general aspects of a mosquito’s lifestyle here.

Finally, if you are plagued by these flying menaces, don't forget that we have one of the best and most effective natural mosquito repellents and fast working natural after-bite balms available right here,

Best wishes from,

The Solid Bar Company Team

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.