Mosquito

Mosquitoes are found worldwide in almost every terrestrial habitat. They lay their eggs in standing water, including ponds, swamps, marshes, puddles, and artificial containers like buckets or old tires.

Adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain protein for egg production. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar, plant sap, and other sugary fluids as their primary energy source.

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, though some species are active during the day. They locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, body odor, and heat. After feeding, females seek a suitable water source to lay their eggs. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa (aquatic stages), and adult (aerial stage).

Risks: Mosquitoes are significant vectors of numerous diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. Their bites cause itchy welts. Benefits: They can serve as food sources for other animals (fish, birds, bats, other insects) and contribute to pollination through their nectar feeding.