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So you think the mosquitoes by your house are huge? Wait until you see the one hanging around the Kasilof Mercantile.

"It stands probably 10 feet tall, is 20 feet long and weighs about 500 pounds," said Rocky Laster, owner of Rocky's Cafe in the Kasilof Mercantile.

The monstrous mosquito was hatched roughly two weeks ago. Laster said the idea behind it was to have a unique landmark that people could easily identify.

"We would hear about people that came in, had a pizza, liked it, then tried to tell someone else on the river where to go to get a good bite to eat. But if you're not from the area, it's tough to give directions," Laster said. "Now all they have to tell people is, 'It's the place with the giant mosquito,' he said.

Laster said he also thought the behemoth bug might draw more tourists to the Kasilof area, which could be a boon to his, and other, local businesses.

"There are Web sites and books about odd landmarks around the U.S., and people will take trips just to see them. We thought Kasilof needed one too, and there's nothing like this from Anchorage to Homer. We've filled the giant, steel insect niche," he said.

Laster said to further this goal, the mosquito -- which was welded by Frank Arndt of Kasilof --has been given a name and a rich fictional history to draw in Outsiders while also teaching them facts about the 49th state.

According to their intentionally laughable lore, "Molly the Mosquito" helped sniff out gold during the rush of the 1890s, she took part in the Serum Run of 1925 and even signed the Alaska Statehood proclamation of 1959 by using "blood from her magical proboscis."

While much of this information is tongue-in-cheek, there is another unusual happenstance surrounding the big bug that may also add to the existing legends. Since it's inception, people who have touched a particular part of the insect have been blessed with piscatorial prowess, as the story goes.

"So far, fishermen who have stroked her proboscis have had good luck," Laster said. While some may scoff that this is false, it is an easy task to complete should it continue to hold true, he added.

Laster said, so far, locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the insect and he is in the process of constructing a bench near Molly so people can have their picture taken beside the mosquito.

"Everyone seems to like it," he said. "People are always talking about how big and bad Alaskan mosquitoes are and how they can carry off small children and pets."

This just seemed like a unique way to celebrate how maligned they are. It's a good opportunity for photo and fun."

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.