Mosquito

Natural Habitat

Mosquitoes are found virtually worldwide, in all habitats except Antarctica and a few islands. They require standing water for breeding, so they are common near ponds, wetlands, stagnant water puddles, and artificial containers holding water.

Diet & Feeding

Adult female mosquitoes feed on blood (hematophagy) to obtain proteins for egg development, typically from mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians. Male mosquitoes and, at times, female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and other sugar sources for energy.

Behavior Patterns

Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, though some species are active during the day. Females are attracted to hosts by carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain chemicals. They lay their eggs on or near water. The larvae and pupae are aquatic, developing in water before emerging as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include transmitting various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Their bites can also cause itchy welts. Benefits to the ecosystem include serving as a food source for other animals (birds, bats, fish, amphibians, dragonflies) and, in their adult stage, acting as pollinators for some plants.

Identified on: 9/7/2025