Are Mosquitoes Good For Humans?
WouterAmong the most infamous insects, mosquitoes are probably the best known. They have been a part of the planet’s landscape for over 100 million years, and they’ve managed to survive despite a number of formidable obstacles. They may be the oldest pest in the world, but they’ve evolved to live on every continent but Antarctica.
While they may be annoying and a menace to humans, mosquitoes also play a key role in the health of the planet. Not only do they provide a meal for many animals, they are also a vital link in several food chains. The blood of a mosquito is pumped by a heart that runs from head to tail. Usually, the hemolymph carries the mosquito’s blood straight to the head, where it often changes direction.
Mosquitoes’ compound eyes feature thousands of six-sided lenses, and they stay open to detect fast movement. However, unlike human eyes, their optics don’t work well at night.
They also have three “noses,” which are similar to those of birds. Each nose has a different function. For example, the first one detects animal odors. The second responds to human odors. The third detects odors from both animals and people.
There are only a few species of mosquito that actually bite humans. Most species, however, leave us alone. Some of the more common mosquito species, such as the Aedes aegypti, can cause viral illness. They can also be a nuisance when fishing or swimming.
