Most people assume mosquitoes survive on blood. It's an easy conclusion to reach; they do leave some nasty bites, after all. But blood is only part of the picture, and for a significant portion of the mosquito population, it plays no role at all.
Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant-based sugars as their primary energy source. Nectar, fruit juice, plant sap, and honeydew all form part of their diet. Without these sugars, mosquitoes cannot survive for long; male mosquitoes deprived of sugar typically die within a few days of hatching.
Only female mosquitoes seek a blood meal, and only for a specific biological purpose: reproduction. The proteins and lipids found in blood are essential for egg development. Without a blood meal, a female mosquito cannot produce viable eggs. So while the mosquito diet appears simple on the surface, it divides sharply along gender lines.
Male mosquitoes don't bite: They feed entirely on plant nectar and other sugary secretions (they lack the mouthparts needed to pierce skin).
In ecological terms, male mosquitoes function more like pollinators than pests. They move between flowers, feeding on sugars, and play a minor role in plant pollination.
Female mosquitoes also rely on nectar and plant sugars throughout most of their lives.
The shift occurs when they are ready to reproduce. At that point, a blood meal becomes necessary, and female mosquitoes are not selective about the source. Humans are frequent targets, but birds, small mammals, and reptiles are also great hosts.
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A mosquito's diet changes at each stage of development. Understanding this helps explain why standing water is such a significant factor in mosquito activity.
Female mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in a small amount of standing water, which is why effective pest control programs target breeding sites alongside adult populations.
The public health significance of mosquito feeding behavior comes down to disease transmission. When a female mosquito feeds on an infected host, she can pick up pathogens and pass them on during a subsequent blood meal. West Nile virus, Zika, dengue fever, and malaria are all transmitted this way.
This risk is tied entirely to the blood-feeding behavior of female mosquitoes. That’s why mosquito control is so important.
Mosquitoes are persistent pests, and an infestation can put your family at risk. Don't wait it out. Call us, or click the button below.
No, male mosquitoes don't bite at all. They feed entirely on plant nectar and other sugary substances. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood.
In a sense, yes. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar as their primary energy source. Blood feeding is unique to females and is only needed for reproduction.
Male mosquitoes use their mouthparts to feed on plant nectar and other sweet plant secretions. Unlike females, they lack the ability to pierce skin.