Mosquitos

Mosquitoes are small flies in the family Culicidae, order Diptera. They comprise thousands of species found worldwide, with a life cycle adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Adults typically have slender bodies, long legs, and a long proboscis used for feeding.

Life cycle and development: Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid on water or in damp environments; some species lay eggs singly, others in rafts. Larvae (wigglers) and pupae (tumblers) are aquatic and rely on water for development. After a period that depends on temperature and species, adults emerge. Female mosquitoes generally seek a blood meal to obtain nutrients necessary for egg development; males feed mainly on nectar.

Behavior and ecology: Activity patterns vary by species; some bite primarily at night, others during the day or at dawn and dusk. They locate hosts using cues such as carbon dioxide, body heat, and odors. Many species breed in standing water found in natural habitats or human-made containers. Adults feed on nectar for energy, while females of many species require blood meals for reproduction.

Medical and public health relevance: Mosquitoes are vectors for a number of pathogens, including the malaria parasite (Anopheles), dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses (Aedes), and West Nile virus (Culex). Disease transmission depends on the interaction between vector biology, pathogen development, and human exposure.

Control and prevention: Management focuses on reducing standing water, environmental modification, and chemical or biological controls. Personal protection—such as repellents, protective clothing, and bed nets—along with community-wide strategies, helps reduce bites and disease risk. Taxonomic groups include subfamilies Anophelinae (Anopheles) and Culicinae (e.g., Aedes, Culex).