Moskitos

Moskitos are insects in the family Culicidae, a group within the order Diptera. They are found worldwide, from tropical wetlands to urban environments, and comprise more than 3,500 described species. The term Moskito is used in several languages as a variant spelling of mosquitoes.

Moskitos are slender insects with long legs and a pair of wings that display scale patterns. Adult females possess a specialized mouthpart, the proboscis, adapted for piercing skin and drawing blood in many species, although males typically feed on nectar. The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs may be laid singly on water surfaces or in rafts, depending on species. Larvae and pupae are aquatic, developing in standing or slow-moving water, including ponds, marshes, and even artificial containers. Under suitable conditions, complete development from egg to adult may take about a week or two.

Ecology and behavior vary by species. Some bite primarily at dusk or at night, others during the day. Females seek hosts by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat, and odor. Most adults live for a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on climate and predation. Mosquitos can be territorial and may rest in vegetation or shaded areas between feeding bouts.

Public health significance is high in many regions, as mosquitos are vectors for numerous pathogens, including malaria parasites (Plasmodium), dengue and Zika viruses, chikungunya virus, West Nile virus, and lymphatic filarial worms. Disease risk depends on local mosquito species, pathogen presence, and human exposure.

Control and prevention focus on reducing breeding sites, using insect repellents and protective clothing, installing window screens, and employing community vector-control programs, including larviciding and, in some cases, genetic or biological approaches.