Animal Profiles
Insects

Mosquito

Culicidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Mosquitoes have different feeding and breeding habits. This account follows the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), a container-breeding species widespread in warm regions.

Aedes aegypti, the representative described in this account.

Aedes aegypti, the representative described in this account.

Wee Hong · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
This mosquito uses water-holding containers and other small freshwater sites near people.
Habitat
Towns and cities, Wetlands
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Both sexes use plant sugars, while females also take blood to support egg production.

Classification

Common name
Mosquito
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Culicidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Diptera
Family
Culicidae
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Adults have white leg bands.
  • Juveniles develop in water.
  • Females take blood meals for egg production.

Habitat and range

This mosquito uses water-holding containers and other small freshwater sites near people. Its original African range has been greatly extended through human transport.

Appearance and adaptations

Dark adults carry white leg bands and a pale lyre-shaped pattern on the thorax. Larvae are aquatic and look very different from the winged adult.

Diet and behaviour

Both sexes use plant sugars, while females also take blood to support egg production. Larvae feed on small organic particles and microorganisms in the water.

Sources

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