Mosquito bites can itch and spread infection.
Mosquitoes are flying insects that suck the blood of their prey. They're parasites capable of spreading diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus, among many others. There are four stages to the life cycle of mosquitoes: eggs, larval, pupal and adult. They spend the first three stages of their lives in the breeding habitat that their adult parents chose.
Plant Life in Mosquito Breeding Habitats
Nectar is a mosquito's primary source of energy. The bugs typically live and breed in areas where there are nectar-producing plants. Some mosquito species must be close to their sources of energy when breeding takes place because they can only fly short distances. However, there are species that can fly for miles between their breeding sites and their energy source. Therefore, there can be an abundance of plant life or very little plant life in mosquito breeding habitats.
Wildlife in Mosquito Breeding Habitats
Depending on the species, mosquitoes will prey on birds, cold-blooded animals or mammals. Therefore, mosquitoes can live in a variety of ecosystems, though there must be some animals in their breeding habitats. Female mosquitoes will eat a large meal of blood and then sit for three to five days waiting for their eggs to develop. They then lay one clutch of eggs, eat more blood and then lay another clutch. They may also lay a third.
Location for Depositing Offspring
The breeding habitat of all species of mosquitoes must have a water source. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and areas that are likely to fill with water; this can be anything from tire ruts in a dirt road to a pond. Stagnant water is especially attractive for breeding mosquitoes. The young will stay in the water until they reach adulthood. When they come out of the water, they breed within a matter of days.
Range of Mosquito Breeding Habitats
There are more than 3,000 species of mosquito and they distribute easily by flight, accidental human transportation and floating in containers with water in them. They live and breed on every continent except Antarctica. They particularly thrive in tropical and sub-tropical zones, but some species can live in colder climates, such as the northern United States. The breeding habitats of mosquitoes do not change with geographical location. They need animals for blood meals and water on every continent.
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