Mosquito

Natural Habitat

Mosquitoes are found worldwide in various habitats, especially near stagnant water sources like ponds, swamps, containers holding water, and even damp soil, which are necessary for larval development. Adults often rest in cool, shaded areas.

Diet & Feeding

Adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain protein for egg development, biting humans and other animals. Male mosquitoes and female mosquitoes without ripening eggs feed on nectar and plant juices.

Behavior Patterns

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, although some species can be active during the day. They detect hosts using carbon dioxide, body heat, and body odors. After mating, females seek a blood meal and then lay eggs in or near water. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, typically lasting 1-2 weeks depending on species and environmental conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Mosquitoes are notorious vectors for a variety of diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. They offer some ecological benefits as a food source for other animals (e.g., bats, birds, fish) and adult males and some females contribute to pollination, but their role as disease vectors far outweighs these benefits from a human perspective.

Identified on: 9/14/2025