How do they look?

Mosquitoes are 5-9 mm long insects with a distinctive long snout. Their wings and abdomen are covered in tiny scales. Mosquito larvae lack legs and, while living in water, move using hairs on their abdomen.

Where do they live?

Odles are commonly found and active in damp, shady areas in forests and shrubs. They are most active in the evenings and nights, as well as on overcast days. Mosquito egg-laying occurs on the water's surface, and mosquito larvae develop in water. Mosquitoes hibernate in basements, caves, and various cavities.

What do they eat?

Females actively attack animals and feed on blood after mating. Males, on the other hand, feed on nectar. Mosquito larvae in their diet utilize algae, pollen, bacteria, as well as plant and animal debris.

Interesting and important facts

Mosquito females, specifically, suck blood, and only a small portion of the blood is used for nutrition, while the rest is utilized for egg development. When mosquitoes bite, they introduce saliva into the wound, triggering an allergic reaction and skin itching. Mosquitoes can detect human breath, emitted warmth, and sweat odor from several hundred meters away. They feed on blood from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even some fish.

In Latvia, there is indeed a species of mosquito, but it is not dangerous as it does not carry the malaria-causing parasite found in some regions.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, Kreslina L. ‘Insects in Latvia’

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