Mosquito

Mosquitoes are small flying insects belonging to the family Culicidae, with more than 3,600 known species worldwide. They live on every continent except Antarctica and breed in standing water, where their eggs hatch into aquatic larvae. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Both males and females usually feed on flower nectar, which provides them with energy.

Only the females of many species take blood meals, using a specialized mouthpart to obtain the nutrients needed for egg development. Mosquitoes detect potential hosts by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat, moisture and natural skin odors, allowing them to locate animals even in the dark.

Mosquitoes play a role in food webs because they serve as prey for fish, birds, bats, dragonflies and many other animals. Some species also contribute to pollination while feeding on nectar. However, certain mosquitoes can transmit disease-causing organisms such as viruses or parasites from one host to another during a blood meal.

Diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika and West Nile fever are spread only by particular mosquito species living in suitable regions. Most mosquito species do not transmit human diseases. Reducing standing water around homes, using window screens, wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent are among the most effective ways to limit mosquito bites.