Mosquito

Animal Series

by Richard Jones

Lots of insects suck blood, but one species above all others has a reputation, out of all proportion to its size: the mosquito. Due to the diseases they carry and inject, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal. The most deadly of these diseases is malaria, which although eradicated from much of the northern hemisphere, continues to pose a mortal threat in developing countries. Two billion people a year are exposed to malarial infection, of which over 350 million succumb, and nearly 700,000 die, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Mosquito, Richard Jones recounts the history of mosquitoes’ relationship with mankind, and their transformation from a trivial gnat into a serious disease-carrying menace. Drawing on scientific fact, historical evidence, and literary evocation, the book provides a colourful portrait of this tiny insect and the notorious diseases it carries.

Mosquito offers a compelling warning against the contemporary complacency surrounding malaria and other diseases in western society, whilst also exploring the sinister reputation of the insect in general. Written in an accessible style for a broad readership, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in tropical medicine and disease, as well as anyone pestered in the night by the annoying, familiar whine of this diminutive airborne adversary.

Richard Jones is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London and the Linnean Society of London, and was President of the British Entomological and Natural History Society 2001–02. He has published a number of books on insects and wildlife including Nano Nature (2009) and Extreme Insects (2010).

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

216 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2012

About the author

Richard 'Bugman' Jones FRES is a British entomologist. He is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and has written many books about insects.

Reviews

[Anson Cassel Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jones’ book is a fine contribution to the large Reaktion “Animal series”: short, profusely illustrated volumes dedicated to individual animals. Although Jones is a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London, he also writes good layman’s English. He succinctly describes the wonder of mosquito physiology, the growing realization that mosquitoes were vectors for serious diseases, the tactics used to reduce their numbers and treat the diseases, and the environmental crisis that ensued following the widespread spraying of DDT during the mid-20th century. Jones also dedicates a chapter to “The Mosquito Brand,” the naming of ships, planes and the like for mosquitoes and the use of mosquitoes as symbols on postage stamps. It is sobering to realize that even in the 21st century, mosquitoes are “arguably the most dangerous animal in the world,” responsible for more than a million deaths annually, many of them children.

A pair of American eyes might have smoothed over some unnecessary idiosyncrasies of (in George Bernard Shaw’s words) the common language that separates us and might have prevented the relocation of Harvard to Washington, DC (104). I also think that readers with enough sophistication to read this book do not need to be told in such heavy-handed fashion that (for instance) it would no longer be politically correct for war propaganda to portray mosquitoes with stereotypical Japanese facial features.

[Nancy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look on how the mosquito has influenced not just human history but human physiology as well - humans in West Africa had to adapt quickly to malaria contracted so their bodies changed with the unfortunate side affect of sickle cell anemia. Because of this adaption Africans were valued as slaves in the New World for their malaria resistance. However the mosquito's influence goes much farther and deeper then that. The only down side to this fascinating read is that there is almost too much information to take in. Still a good read that will lead you done many a - hopefully mosquito free - road.

[Claudia]

This is a truly fascinating account of an insect that has affected human history over thousands of years. Richard takes us through a wide range of mosquito-related topics from scientific discovery to literature, art, disease prevention measures and public information campaigns in a style that is easy to read, often amusing, and totally absorbing. I read it right through from cover to cover. Highly recommended.