Traits: Adults have scales and long, tubular mouthparts (proboscis) for sucking. Larvae are wormlike.

Habitat: All types; larvae are aquatic and live in ponds, lakes, and still waters.

Foods: Adult females suck blood from birds and mammals. Adult males feed on flower nectar. Larvae feed on algae, protozoans, and detritus.

Eaten by: Adults are eaten by dragonflies, fish, frogs, birds, bats. Larvae are eaten by fish and water birds.

Do You Know? Some female mosquitoes carry microscopic organisms that cause diseases in mammals and birds.