What insect is responsible for transmitting heartworm disease?

Mosquitos are the primary vectors for heartworm disease. These insects transmit the larvae of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which causes heartworm disease in domestic animals, primarily dogs and cats. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it takes in microfilariae (the immature form of the heartworm), which then develop into infective larvae within the mosquito over a period of about 10 to 14 days. Once the mosquito bites another animal, it injects these larvae, allowing them to enter the new host and mature into adult heartworms within the heart and pulmonary arteries.

The other options do not transmit heartworm disease. Ticks and flies may carry other diseases but are not involved in the transmission of heartworm. Beetles also play no role in this process, making mosquitos the key insect responsible for spreading heartworm larvae through their biting activities. This relationship between mosquitos and the heartworm parasite is critical to understand in order to effectively prevent and control this serious health threat to pets.