Mosquito

Found globally near standing water sources including ponds, marshes, and man-made containers.

Adults feed on flower nectar for energy; females require a blood meal from mammals or birds to produce eggs.

Crepuscular or nocturnal activity; complete metamorphosis including aquatic egg, larva, and pupa stages followed by the terrestrial adult flight stage.

Risks: Primary vector for diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus; cause itchy welts. Benefits: Important food source for fish, birds, and bats; some species act as pollinators.