Myggor

Myggor, known in English as mosquitoes, are small to medium-sized flies in the family Culicidae. They comprise about 3,500 described species across many genera, including Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex, and occur worldwide in a range of habitats from tropical wetlands to temperate regions. Their abundance is greatest near standing water, which is essential for their life cycle.

Life cycle and development: Mosquito development is aquatic. Eggs are laid on or near water surfaces and hatch into larvae or wrigglers that live in water and come to the surface to breathe. Pupae, or tumblers, are also aquatic. After metamorphosis, winged adults emerge. The complete life cycle from egg to adult can take as little as one to two weeks in favorable conditions, and adults may live for a few days to several weeks depending on species and environment.

Feeding and behavior: Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to develop eggs, while males typically feed on nectar. Biting behavior varies by species; some feed at dusk or night, others during the day. Mosquitoes feed on a variety of hosts, including humans and other animals. Adults and larvae play ecological roles as pollinators and as a food source for many other organisms.

Medical and ecological significance: Some mosquito species are vectors for diseases such as malaria (Anopheles), dengue, Zika, and chikungunya (Aedes), and West Nile virus (Culex). Not all species are disease vectors, but their role in disease transmission is a key public health concern in many regions.

Control: Management combines source reduction (eliminating standing water), personal protection (repellents, nets), and, where appropriate, targeted larvicides or insecticides within integrated programs to reduce nuisance and disease risk.