Pest Gallery

Mosquitoes: Diptera

Approximately 150 species of mosquitoes belonging to 12 genera are found in the United States. Mosquitoes have a complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid, either singly or in bunches, on a water surface or in a place where they will become wet when flooding occurs.

Mosquito larvae and pupae live in water, but they must either surface for air or obtain it from the underwater portions of plants. The adult female is the only stage which feeds on blood. The mouthparts of the adult male are not suitable for blood-sucking. Therefore, their nourishment is normally derived from nectar and plant juices. The mosquito is attracted to humans by carbon dioxide.