Did you know?
Mosquitoes play an important role in the ecosystem.
While everyday I impact the environment in significant ways and little critters likely perish underfoot, I have never been one to enjoy swatting and squashing a mosquito any more than I have enjoyed annihilating anyone or anything else. Mosquitoes are generally thought of as pests that bite and carry disease. I have heard more than one person say they are purposeless which inspired me to share a little more about the life of a mosquito.
With more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes, most of them we never see. Many live in areas that are absent of humans altogether and yet they are a valuable part of the ecosystem as a source of food for many varieties of hummingbirds, hawks, turtles, dragonflies and even bats. More importantly, however, mosquitoes have a very important role in pollination. In fact, there are some species of wild orchids that rely on mosquitoes as their primary pollinator. “…Like bees or butterflies, mosquitoes transfer pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar, fertilizing plants and allowing them to form seeds and reproduce.” (1) Often feeding in the evening hours, mosquitoes can be found under the petals of flowers gently suckling on the nectar. While flower nectar serves as the main source of food for most mosquitoes, only pregnant females will seek out blood to nourish their eggs. Most species prefer the blood of animals. In only 200 of the mosquito varieties will the pregnant females bite a human to get added nutrients and protein for her unborn young. Males never bite and rely solely on sweet flower nectar for food.
Important ecologically, perhaps the next time you find yourself being bothered by a pesky mosquito, you might repel it rather than kill it. If mosquitoes are abundant around your dwelling you might discourage their habituation to the area by clearing any area where water tends to stand still as their larvae requires still water to develop. Many oils and sprays have harmful effects on mosquitoes and other pollinators and wildlife. “(Due to insecticide use), ….studies have shown an alarming drop in insect populations, leading the New York Times to proclaim that we are causing an “insect apocalypse” that is destabilizing the ecosystem upon which all life on this planet depends.”(2) Oil of lemon eucalpytus is a less toxic alternative and is an effective repellent. A simple fan can do wonders to repel mosquitoes as the fan blows your scent and it makes it more difficult for the mosquitoes to find you. Perhaps understanding the contributing role of mosquitoes in the environment will encourage conservation rather than extermination.
Sources and Resources:
Awkward Botany Amateur Botany for the Phyto Curious. Year of Pollination: Mosquitoes as Pollinators 8 July 2015
Fang, Janet. 2010. Ecology: A world without mosquitoes. Nature 466, 432-434 doi:10.1038/466432a.
Garland, Sandy. Wild Pollinator Partners Mosquitoes – Important Pollinators? 31 December 2019
(1) Mizejewski, David. National Wildlife Federation. Wildlife Facts: What Purpose Do Mosquitoes Serve. 3 September 2020
(2) Mizejewski, David. National Wildlife Federation Get Outside: Three Natural Ways to Reduce Mosquito Bites 19 July 2019
Mizejewski, David. Weber, David, National Wildlife Federation Get Outside: What you Need to Know Before Spraying for Mosquitoes 2 September 2020
Statman-Weil, Zoe Pollinator Partnership United States Department of Agriculture, U. S. Forest Service Aedes communis: The Pollinating Mosquito
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