Huge Florida mosquitoes could become a problem this summer. On March 9, the Christian Science Monitor reported that these huge mosquitoes have been discovered in the southern state. This influx of big bugs was predicted after several "gallinipper" (the proper name for these big, nasty creatures) eggs were found in the Sunshine State. So what's the big deal about a huge mosquito?
"As adults, the voracious pests feed day and night (unlike everyday mosquitoes, which generally feed only at dawn and dusk). Their bodies are strong enough to bite through clothing, and they're known to go after pets, wild animals and even fish," the CS Monitor reported. Yikes.
Huge Florida mosquitoes aren't only huge but they also bite -- and it hurts. Some describe a gallinipper bite as more of a sting and others have called it a "stab." Regardless what you want to call it, it doesn't sound like something people are going to enjoy.
As previously reported, the gallinipper is 20x larger than the average insect. Its body is about the size of a quarter and the span of its legs is nearly one inch (check out the picture above). Wearing insect repellent can greatly lessen your chances of getting bit by one of these bugs.
Huge Florida mosquitoes haven't posed a huge problem in the past but they have been a threat for many years. This year, however, they are going to be much more noticeable.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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