Is this the world’s largest mosquito?
This could be the world’s largest mosquito, with an approximately 4.4-inch wingspan. Chinese entomologist Zhao Li caught this mosquito last August during a field inspection on Qingcheng Mountain.
It is now on display at the Insect Museum of West China in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. Zhao said the insect belongs to a species called Holorusia mikado, which is the world’s largest mosquito species, originating in Japan.
“These mosquitoes look horrendous, but do not feed on blood,” Zhao said. “The adults have a lifespan of only a few days and mainly feed on nectar.”
A normal Holorusia mikado’s wingspan is about 3.1 inches.
