Mosquito Fest at Audubon Insectarium August 20th

Did you know there are about 3000 species of mosquitoes found world-wide? Did you know Louisiana is home to over 50 of these species?

There is so much to know about that ubiquitous summer pest, the mosquito. Audubon Insectarium experts reveal the momentous effects mosquitoes have had on New Orleans and the rest of the planet, inviting us to ponder a mosquito-less world.

Visit Audubon Insectarium to learn all about the insect that has everyone reaching for a can of bug spray.

• Bite the bug back in a mosquito-themed menu at Bug Appétit.
• Live displays of adult and larval mosquitoes, most notably Aedes aegypti species that transmits both Yellow Fever and West Nile encephalitis, and "Tox," the world's largest mosquito species!
• Presentation stations will also include information on: mosquitoes as humankinds' most deadly foe, mosquitoes as an abundant food source for many insect feeding animals, and the New Orleans Termite, Mosquito, and Rodent Control Board's efforts which over the years has offered great relief in the city of New Orleans from these biting insects.

Admission to Audubon Insectarium is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children. Admission for Audubon Nature Institute members is just $5. Audubon Insectarium is located at 423 Canal Street, inside the U.S. Custom House, at the corner of North Peters and Canal Street. Guests can visit the mosquitoes and all the other tiny titans Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am till 5:00pm.

For more information about Audubon Insectarium please visit www.AudubonInstitute.org.

 Buzzworthy Facts about Mosquitoes

~Mosquito is Spanish meaning little fly

~Mosquitoes belong to a group of insects that requires blood to develop fertile eggs. Males do not lay eggs, thus, male mosquitoes do not bite. The females are the egg producers and "host-seek" for a blood meal. Female mosquitoes lay multiple batches of eggs and require a blood meal for every batch they lay.

~Mosquitoes rely on sugar as their main source of energy. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, fruit juices and liquids that ooze from plants. The sugar is burned as fuel for flight and is replenished on a daily basis.

~Mosquitoes are relatively fragile insects with an adult life span that lasts about 2 weeks.

~The average female mosquitoes flight range is normally between 1 and 10 miles, but some species can travel up to 40 miles before taking a blood meal.

~Mosquitoes are some of the most adaptable and successful insects on earth and are found in some extraordinary places. Virtually any natural or man-made collection of water can support mosquito production. They've been discovered in mines nearly a mile below the earth’s surface, and on mountain peaks at 14,000 feet, and if you know where to look, there is a good possibility that there are mosquitoes breeding in your own backyard.

~The oldest known mosquito with an anatomy similar to modern species was found in 79-million-year-old Canadian amber from the Cretaceous.

Media Contact:

            Meghan Calhoun

            Audubon Nature Institute

            (504)378-2693

            mcalhoun@auduboninstitute.org