Do Mosquitoes Do Anything Good?
WouterAmong the hundreds of mosquito species that bite humans, only a handful are known to actually attack us. While many mosquitoes are not predators, they do feed on a wide variety of animals, including lizards and bats. They can also transmit diseases such as malaria, West Nile Virus, and Dengue fever.
While mosquitoes are a nuisance to most people, they play an important role in many ecosystems. As pollinators, they carry pollen from one plant to another. This is especially useful when bees are in trouble. Aside from the pollination function, mosquitoes are also good food sources for birds and other insects.
They have been on Earth for over 100 million years. In fact, they have co-evolved with thousands of other species. Their primary role in the ecosystem is to facilitate the reproduction of plants. They do this by carrying pollen and seeds to other plants.
When they mate, they need a protein-rich diet to lay eggs. The female mosquito only eats blood when she is preparing her brood. The male mosquito does not require a protein-rich diet.
If they were eliminated, it could have a range of effects on other ecosystems. For example, removing a mosquito species could cause plants to become more difficult to pollinate. Some insects would take their place and their role in the food web would change. Other tertiary consumers could also suffer.
Aside from the health impact of disease-carrying mosquitoes, eradicating them could have economic and humanitarian consequences. For instance, in some countries, mosquitoes are a major food source. If they were removed, there would be more room for other species to occupy that space.
