Mosquito

Natural Habitat

Globally, but particularly in stagnant water sources (ponds, swamps, containers) and areas with high humidity and vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain protein for egg development. Both male and female mosquitoes also feed on nectar and plant juices for energy.

Behavior Patterns

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Females locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain odors. They lay eggs in or near water, which hatch into larvae and then pupae before developing into winged adults. Their life cycle varies from a few days to several weeks depending on species and environmental conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Mosquito bites cause itchy welts and can transmit various diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. Benefits: Mosquitoes serve as a food source for other animals (fish, birds, bats, dragonflies) and play a role in pollination, though their overall ecological benefit is often overshadowed by their public health risks.

Identified on: 9/5/2025