Stechmücke

Stechmücken, commonly known as mosquitoes, are small, flying insects belonging to the family Culicidae. Worldwide, over 3,500 species of mosquitoes have been identified. They are characterized by their slender bodies, a pair of scaled wings, and a long proboscis. While male mosquitoes feed on nectar, it is the female mosquito that requires a blood meal for egg development. This blood-feeding behavior is what gives them their common name "Stechmücke," which translates to "stinging midge" in German.

The life cycle of a mosquito consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground. The larvae, also known as "wrigglers," live in water and feed on organic matter. They then develop into pupae, or "tumblers," which are also aquatic. Finally, the adult mosquito emerges from the pupal case and flies away.

Female mosquitoes locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemical cues. Their bite can cause itching and swelling due to the anticoagulant saliva they inject. Beyond their nuisance value, mosquitoes are significant vectors of various diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. The specific diseases transmitted depend on the mosquito species and the pathogens present in the geographic region. Control efforts often focus on eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides to reduce mosquito populations.