Why mosquitoes exist

They are usually called mosquitoes and belong to the Culicidae family. They are among the most numerous insects on the planet and, although it may not seem so, they fulfill important ecological functions beyond biting blood and transmitting infectious diseases. But mosquitoes exist for much more than that.

Given their presence almost everywhere in the world (with the exception of Antarctica and some distant islands), it is logical to understand that they play a major role in the planet's global ecosystem. At Mosquiteras24h we tell you why it is so important for mosquitoes to exist.

What do we call a mosquito?

Within the mosquito family there are two major groups: the Culicinae and the Anophelinae. Unlike other blood-sucking insects, mosquitoes have an elongated mouthparts (proboscis) and have a very colorful body design (in many cases).

This insect is found almost everywhere in the world, with exceptions such as Antarctica and some islands, but they are quite abundant in tropical and subtropical areas.

Throughout their lives they go through 4 stages of development which are egg, larva, pupa and adult mosquito, the first three stages are spent in the water. In their adult stage, they leave the water and fly.

To date, there are about 3,531 mosquito species in the world and only female mosquitoes feed on blood or hematophagy, although they do not do so for the enjoyment of eating, females bite for protein inside the blood that help produce eggs. Males feed only on nectar.

Usually, after stinging people, the most common reactions are itching and swelling of the area. This is also linked to the fact that there are specimens of this insect which are vectors or disease transmitters to people or animals. Some of these diseases are Zika, dengue or yellow fever.

Information on mosquitoes

Now that we know what they are, let's detail some details of their lives to detect them and act:

• Adults live both indoors and outdoors.
• They can sting both during the day and at night.
• The adult mosquitoes live 2 to 4 weeks.depending on the species, humidity, temperature and sex (females tend to live longer than males).
• Only females bite humans and other animals to extract blood. This helps them produce eggs.
• They can transmit diseases, some of them even lethal.

What are the functions of mosquitoes in nature?

Now that we know enough about this insect, let's point out what their task is in nature and why they are important in the global ecosystem.

Pollinator function

We normally believe that mosquitoes, as a whole, feed on the blood of humans and other animals. However, this is partially not true. Only the females are the ones that bite to produce eggs, whereas the males feeding on nectar.

Knowing the latter, it is essential to emphasize the pollinating function The male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and pollinate in their feeding process. This contributes to the survival of hundreds of plants around the world.

Equilibrium in food chains and stocks

Their role within the food chain in ecosystems is an important function in achieving balance in food webs in animal species with both diurnal and nocturnal feeding habits. Thanks to their period of activity, mosquitoes are prey of numerous animal specieswhether vertebrates or invertebrates and throughout the day.

In this way, both the small and large mosquitoes can become daytime bird feeding and the nocturnal prey of animals that work at night, such as the bats and geckos. In addition, during their developmental stage they live in water, so they are also fish and amphibian food.

Similarly, they are also regulators of some species by being disease vectors, thus acting in a similar role to predators.

Decomposition of organic matter

This insect, as we have mentioned, goes through 4 stages of growth and fulfills different functions in the ecosystem, such as decompose organic waste to feed on them and the remains are used by plants and other organisms for their growth and development.

What would happen if there were no mosquitoes?

Its absence, to begin with, entails effects on the development and survival of thousands of species (starting with the human being).

Thanks to their pollinating action and the balance in the food chain, human beings have access to more prosperous environments and a more stable planet.

And although we often wish they would disappear, especially because of their role in the transmission of diseases, the reality is that they are population regulators of other species of animals and plants.

Therefore, it is very much better to coexist with mosquitoes instead of exterminating them, opting instead to use home remedies such as repellents or with the use of mosquito nets on doors and windows to protect us from their bites and the transmission of diseases.

And so far we have given you the reasons why mosquitoes exist. Their role in ecosystems is essential for a correct natural balance and, in order to prevent them from bothering us, it is better to take actions to repel them rather than eliminate them.

We recommend that you protect your home from mosquitoes. buying a mosquito net to measure. Decide between a fixed mosquito net or mosquito nets for casement windows and enjoy a quiet environment, free of annoying bites and buzzing. Don't wait any longer and ensure your comfort and well-being. Protect your home from diseases and annoyances caused by insects.