June 5, 2003

The marshlands are still developing their distinct spring/summer flora.

Various plants like cuckoo flowers, wood anemones and marsh marigolds are in full bloom carpeting the reserves in colour.

Even the flag iris are now flowering on reserves including Blakemarsh adding to the spectacle.

It is not the flora, however, which has significantly changed. There is one insect which has appeared on the marshes during the past week or so which has changed the experience of walking within any of the districts marshlands.

The little beastie I am referring to is the mosquito, everyone's favourite critter. Reserves such as Redstone Marsh in Stourport are now becoming a haven for these blood-sucking insects as they go about their short existence.

They only live between two and three weeks, but they keep replenishing their numbers until the weather deteriorates.

It is the female mosquito which causes the most irritation to humans as it is only the females which have the ability to suck blood.

They are capable of "biting" two days after they emerge from the pupal stage, and feed on blood in order to produce new eggs.

Mosquitoes can travel up to a mile from the water source where they were born, but their whole life cycle, like many other insect species, requires the presence of water for two important stages.

Female mosquitoes feed as soon as they have developed their needle-like mouthparts and do so until they are ready to lay eggs. It is at this stage they return to the water. The eggs are laid like rafts which float on the water until they hatch. The larval stage of the mosquito is commonly referred to as a "wriggler". This is because the larva wriggles in the water in order to move around and feed. The larva then pupates for about three days before the winged adults emerge.

However, the male mosquito is a people friendly insect. It does not bite and only feeds on the juices of plants. Unfortunately, it does have the other irritating habit mosquitoes seem to develop, the ability to slowly drive any person mad as it seemingly drifts around in front of their face, before brushing up against an arm or landing in their hair.

So while you are out enjoying a morning or evening stroll around the marshlands, keep your eye out for this interesting little beastie, and if you are unlucky you may meet one.

IT is the time of year again, when the marshlands undergo a slight change which affects everyone's perception of these beautiful areas.

The marshlands are still developing their distinct spring/summer flora.

Various plants like cuckoo flowers, wood anemones and marsh marigolds are in full bloom carpeting the reserves in colour.

Even the flag iris are now flowering on reserves including Blakemarsh adding to the spectacle.

It is not the flora, however, which has significantly changed. There is one insect which has appeared on the marshes during the past week or so which has changed the experience of walking within any of the districts marshlands.

The little beastie I am referring to is the mosquito, everyone's favourite critter. Reserves such as Redstone Marsh in Stourport are now becoming a haven for these blood-sucking insects as they go about their short existence.

They only live between two and three weeks, but they keep replenishing their numbers until the weather deteriorates.

It is the female mosquito which causes the most irritation to humans as it is only the females which have the ability to suck blood.

They are capable of "biting" two days after they emerge from the pupal stage, and feed on blood in order to produce new eggs.

Mosquitoes can travel up to a mile from the water source where they were born, but their whole life cycle, like many other insect species, requires the presence of water for two important stages.

Female mosquitoes feed as soon as they have developed their needle-like mouthparts and do so until they are ready to lay eggs. It is at this stage they return to the water. The eggs are laid like rafts which float on the water until they hatch. The larval stage of the mosquito is commonly referred to as a "wriggler". This is because the larva wriggles in the water in order to move around and feed. The larva then pupates for about three days before the winged adults emerge.

However, the male mosquito is a people friendly insect. It does not bite and only feeds on the juices of plants. Unfortunately, it does have the other irritating habit mosquitoes seem to develop, the ability to slowly drive any person mad as it seemingly drifts around in front of their face, before brushing up against an arm or landing in their hair.

So while you are out enjoying a morning or evening stroll around the marshlands, keep your eye out for this interesting little beastie, and if you are unlucky you may meet one.