Are there really giant mosquitos coming our way? (University: 2013, university)

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Really - I am not kidding - we are new to Florida and my husband's coworkers were telling him that giant mosquitos are on their way and that they are not repelled by bug spray. Is this true?

[TamiamiTrailBlues]

Yes. RUN!!!

[CBXBIKE]

Crazy Ants are here.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Oh my dear, I thought that was an urban legend if there ever was one. Went to Snopes to debunk.

Learned the government is spying on us with high tech mosquitoes that are remotely controlled, have a camera and microphone, and that can sample your DNA if it lands on you. Check the picture below. Just kidding. That is an urban legend but not so unbelievable given all the recent news.

However the truth is sad. Time Magazine claims the University of Florida is predicting a summer invasion of mosquitoes that are 20x normal size. Wish I was kidding. I was just sure it was a case of play with the newcomers head, but no....

‘Giant’ Mosquitoes Set to Invade Florida This Summer | TIME.com


Somehow the name gallinipper sounds appropriate. Wish I had thought of that for a screen name.

[motordavid]

They aren't 'coming' to FL; already there, and in many other states, including northern states.



'Gallinipper' is really a general term that has been used to describe family of flying insects including this specific mosquito, crane flies,(don't bite), et al. But, this specific species, Psorophora ciliate, has been tagged as 'gallinipper'.

Females need blood to be fertile, lay eggs on nearly any surface, and when damp/wet, even years later, they can hatch.

The abnormal rains in many parts of that map have produced hatchings and lots of Galinippers. Some reading says that they can pierce/bite through thicker clothing due to their size, and some sources suggest that they can carry West Nile and other bugs, though other sources say not. Most sources say they are very aggressive...

It's a mosquito...normal defense and good DEET loaded personal spray should work.
It is not an alien invasion from space... ;>)
GL, mD

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Great map.

[DaGoose]

Doesn't sound that bad.....

But insect experts say they're flabbergasted at how a seldom-seen mosquito that's always been here is drawing so much buzz. Gallinippers are thought to make up less than 2 percent of the mosquito population and they don't spread any of the dreaded mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus. Many who work in the mosquito-control trenches feel its bite is actually milder than its smaller, more pestiferous peers - certainly no match for the dreaded salt marsh mosquito.

Gallinippers: 'Giant' mosquito invasion? Nope, just another Florida critter | wtsp.com