JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It is the mother of all mosquitoes in the state, bigger than a dime, and chances are you'll be seeing a lot more of them soon.
The long-limbed bloodsucker, known as the feather-legged gallinipper, is a common mosquito in Florida when it gets really hot and rainy.
University of Florida researchers say we saw a huge statewide spike following Tropical Storm Debby and this year might be the same.
"I wouldn't be surprised, given the numbers we saw last year," said UF entomologist Phil Kaufman in a university publication. "When we hit the rainy cycle we may see that again."
"They really like a higher temperature with a lot of rain," said Marah Clark, an entomologist with Jacksonville Mosquito Control.
Clark advises people to be careful. Female gallinippers can be quite aggressive.
"Only the females bite and her bite can be quite vicious," said Clark.
This has parents like Krystal Lisenby not looking forward to the summertime.
"I hope it doesn't get bad. That's the only thing I can say, I hope it doesn't get bad," said Lisenby.
One good thing about these big bugs, though, they do not carry diseases. They can also typically be warded off by bug repellent containing DEET.
