Mosquito
Culicidae
Quick answer
Mosquitoes are small flying insects whose females bite animals and people to drink blood, which they need to produce eggs. They are considered one of the most dangerous animals to humans because some species spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Adult mosquitoes typically live only a few weeks.
Mosquito facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Family Culicidae |
|---|---|
| Diet | Nectar; females also drink blood |
| Habitat | Worldwide near standing water |
| Lifespan | Adults a few weeks |
| Size | About 3–6 mm long |
| Top speed | ~2.5 km/h (1.5 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae |
Where it lives
Found worldwide except Antarctica, breeding in standing water from the tropics to temperate zones.
Why mosquitoes bite
Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to get the protein in blood needed to develop their eggs. They locate hosts by sensing exhaled carbon dioxide, body heat, and skin chemicals. Both males and females actually feed on nectar and plant juices for everyday energy.
A dangerous disease carrier
Mosquitoes are often called the deadliest animals to humans because certain species transmit diseases as they feed. Malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and West Nile virus are all spread by mosquitoes, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year, mostly from malaria.
Life cycle and water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water, where the larvae and pupae develop before emerging as flying adults. Because they breed in even small pools, removing standing water around homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce their numbers.
Habitat and control
Mosquitoes are found almost everywhere people live, from tropical regions to temperate zones, and are most active in warm, humid conditions. Bed nets, insect repellents, draining standing water, and controlling larvae are key tools for limiting bites and the diseases they can carry.
Frequently asked questions about the Mosquito
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do it to get the blood protein needed to produce eggs. They find hosts by sensing exhaled carbon dioxide, body heat, and skin odors.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Yes. Mosquitoes are considered among the deadliest animals to humans because some species spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, causing many deaths each year.
How long do mosquitoes live?
Adult mosquitoes usually live only a few weeks. Their full life cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as one to two weeks in warm conditions.
Do all mosquitoes bite?
No. Only female mosquitoes bite for blood. Males feed solely on nectar and plant juices and do not bite people or animals.
How can I avoid mosquito bites?
Using insect repellent, wearing covering clothing, sleeping under nets, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed all help reduce bites and the risk of mosquito-borne disease.
Where do mosquitoes lay their eggs?
Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near standing water, even very small amounts. The larvae and pupae develop in the water before emerging as flying adults.
