How Are Mosquitoes Helpful?
WouterDespite their reputation, mosquitoes are actually a very important part of the planet’s ecosystem. They provide essential services that help plants and animals thrive.
Although the most popular use for mosquitoes is to transmit disease, the truth is that they have a lot of other benefits. They are pollinators and they act as food sources for a variety of birds, bats, and small mammals. They also help to protect rainforest biodiversity and they help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Mosquitoes are one of the most common creatures on earth. Over 100 million years of evolution has brought them to almost every continent. They live in dense swarms, and they are an important source of food for fishes and insect eaters.
The larvae of mosquitoes feed on organic matter in wetlands. They also provide food for dragonflies, amphibians, and other water-dwelling creatures. They are very effective disease vectors. Some species carry viruses that can cause deadly illnesses.
The females of mosquitoes rely on protein in their blood to produce eggs. The males do not bite. They eat nectar and are important food sources for a wide variety of other insects. They are an important part of many ecosystems, especially in the Arctic.
There are thousands of different species of mosquitoes. Some are harmless and do not bite humans, but they do spread pathogens that can cause diseases. Others can be harmful, including Zika and yellow fever.
The number of species is growing. There are now over 3,500. Each species has a role to play in the environment. Some are parasitic, while others do not.
