Do I Need Mosquitoes?
WouterDespite their unsavory reputation, mosquitoes are important to numerous ecosystems. They help plants and flowers reproduce, and they are vital food sources for many animals. They also spread a number of diseases, such as malaria. The spread of mosquito-borne illnesses has huge humanitarian and economic consequences.
Some species of mosquitoes bite humans, while others feed on birds or turtles. The Anopheles mosquito is the only species known to transmit malaria. Other species of mosquitoes can spread filariasis, encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Most scientists believe that the world would be a better place without mosquitoes. However, they warn against eliminating pollinators. They also worry about the effects of eliminating one species of mosquito, especially if another species quickly fills its niche.
Adult mosquitoes can live for two to four weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. They need water to breed. They can lay eggs in water, on land, or in natural sources. They are especially abundant in areas where water is scarce.
Female mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid on the skin. They are also attracted to dark colors and carbon dioxide. They lay eggs up to three times in their lives. They can follow a stream of carbon dioxide up to 50 feet. They also need protein to produce eggs. They bite to suck blood and to get protein for their eggs. They can also pass along harmful microbes in their blood.
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes on Earth. They are found in almost every continent.
