How did the London Underground mosquito evolve?

After the London Underground system’s construction, in the middle of the 19th Century, the tunnels were largely sealed off from the surface, and some of the mosquitoes found themselves trapped underground. It was this physical barrier that caused the divergent evolution of the two, contrasting mosquito populations.

What type of speciation is represented by the London mosquitoes?

quick-moving speciation
The quick separation of mosquitoes into their own, subway-dwelling subspecies is an example of quick-moving speciation (the process by which animals evolve into distinct species).

Are there any mosquitoes in London?

Unfortunately, we get do get mosquitoes in the UK and Britain is home to more than 30 types of native mosquito species.

What do London Underground mosquitoes eat?

More specifically, this mosquito, C. molestus, breeds all-year round, is cold intolerant, and bites rats, mice, and humans, in contrast to the above-ground species, which is cold tolerant, hibernates in the winter, and is considered to mostly feed on bird hosts.

What are three traits that are unique to the Culex pipiens Molestus?

molestus has the ability to produce eggs without a vertebrate bloodmeal (autogeny); can mate in confined spaces (stenogamy); foregoes winter diapause; occupies subterranean environments with limited surface access; and feeds readily on mammals, including humans (Mattingly 1952, Vinogradova 2000).

How long do Anopheles mosquitoes live?

The adult stage is when the female Anopheles mosquito acts as malaria vector. The adult females can live up to a month (or more in captivity), but most probably do not live more than two weeks in nature.

When was the London Underground mosquito first discovered?

Tracing The Origins Of The London Underground Mosquito The mosquito was first reported in the Underground during the WWII blitz when the tube’s tunnels became overnight bomb shelters. During the course of the war, an estimated 180,000 people sought refuge in the Underground.

Do UK mosquitoes carry diseases?

Mosquitoes thrive in warm and wet environments, so a rise in the average temperature could make the UK a more attractive destination. This could then lead to an increase in three diseases – malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya (a viral infection with symptoms similar to malaria) – in the UK by as early as 2030.

Can you get mosquito bites in London?

No one likes the idea of being bitten by mosquitoes, midges or gnats. Yet climate conditions, especially in southern England are becoming increasingly more hospitable to mosquitoes. Bites are irritating and although not as painful as being stung, mosquito bites are very itchy causing a lot of discomfort.

When the London Underground subway system was built mosquitoes?

The mosquito was first reported in the Underground during the WWII blitz when the tube’s tunnels became overnight bomb shelters. During the course of the war, an estimated 180,000 people sought refuge in the Underground.

How many types of mosquito are there in the UK?

34
Mosquito species in the British Isles The UK has 34 native mosquito species, many of which bite and can be a nuisance. There are 2 native species of mosquito that appear morphologically similar to Aedes albopictus.