What Do Mosquitoes Eat?
WouterWhether you’re trying to avoid mosquitoes or simply want to know more about these flying insects, you need to know what they actually eat. They get their energy from sugary plant juices and honeydew. They’re also a source of food for bats, birds and fish, and are considered a significant part of the ecosystem.
The larvae of mosquitoes eat microscopic plants, bacteria, and animals. They also drink the blood of birds, mammals, and reptiles. While some species are able to survive with only carbohydrates, others prefer to live in nutrient-rich waters or hibernate during the colder months.
The pupa stage of the mosquito is non-feeding. The pupae breathe at the surface of the water and use special appendages to gather air. They then transform into an adult mosquito. It can take up to four days to develop into an adult.
The female mosquito needs a blood meal to lay eggs. It can feed on human or animal blood or on nectar. It can also use the blood to aid in the production of eggs. Some species are able to lay up to 100 eggs at a time.
The larvae of mosquitoes are ectoparasites, or parasitic organisms. Their bodies have a hard, external skeleton. They are attracted to over 300 chemicals produced by the skin. Some species are especially attracted to brightly colored flowers. Other species prefer marshes or tall grasses.
Some mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant rainwater or condensation inside old tires. The development of the eggs depends on the type of species, the temperature of the water, the amount of food present in the water, and the number of larvae in the water. Some species hatch in huge hordes when the water warms, while other species are more stable.
