Monster mosquitoes invade Central Florida

[Hum]

Giant mosquitoes the size of a quarter are invading central Florida and officials are warning residents to beware of the 'notoriously aggressive' bloodsuckers.

Entomologists at the University of Florida predicted the massive insects, known as gallinippers, would descend on the sunshine state in record numbers this year after drenching rains from Tropical Storm Debbie. Now the mammoth monsters have arrived, being spotted in Seminole County.

The frightening supermosquitoes, native to the eastern half of the United States, are 20 times the size of an ordinary mosquito and their bite is unusually painful.

Seminole County Mosquito Control director Kelly Deutsch told ClickOrlando.com said the county began pre-treatment spraying in local swamplands several months ago to prepare for the onslaught.

Indian River County mosquito control director Doug Carlson told WPTV the bugs are so big 'it can feel like a small bird has landed on you' when you get bitten.

Gallinippers, officially known as psorophora ciliate, allegedly got their nickname because they're so big they can 'nip a gallon of blood with a single bite,' Carlson said.

University of Florida entomologist Phil Kaufman told ClickOrlando.com that gallinippers are 'notoriously aggressive' and warned residents to wear insect repellant with DEET and cover up more than usual to protect themselves from painful stings.

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[Growled Member]

This is just normal size 'Quitoes in Georgia. :p

[Hum]

I think the female mosquitoes are bigger than a quarter in PA.

Maybe these will kill off the Zombies.

[Growled Member]

I figure the zombies will kill off the mosquitoes. :D

[Original Poster]

I figure the zombies will kill off the mosquitoes. :D

zombie mosquitoes ....

[KingCracker]

I seen some big skeeters but none that cause pain when they bite.

[MikeChipshop Member]

All seems crazy to me, the biggest Moz i've seen here in Scotland is about the size of a pin head... but then we get the midges :(

[0nyX]

Put them all in sacks and unleash them to PETA

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2009/06/peta-says-no-more-flykilling-sends-obama-a-humane-fly-catcher/

[DocM]

Looks like a run of the mill Michigan swamp 'skeeter to me.

Call back when it takes a 20 gauge shotgun to bring 'em down ;)