Bug’s Life

Our guide to British invertebrates

Mosquito

About a quarter of an inch long

Most of the 34 species of mosquito found in the UK can inflict a painful and itchy bite, but only five are capable of transmitting malaria, which was prevalent in marshy areas here until the start of the 20th century. The word mosquito means Ôlittle flyõ in Spanish and one of the largest of all mosquitoes, Culiseta annulata, can be recognised by the black-and-white bands on its long legs. Listen out for the high-pitched buzz the insects emit when they retreat indoors during the winter months. Simon Lester