Mosquitoes
Introduction
These are generally thought of as a pest species, and are considered the most deadly animal on the planet, since it kills more humans than any other species.
Food for Others
As their persecution increases, the animals who rely on them for food are struggling to find food, or worse, end up consuming the poisons intended for mosquitos.
Pollination
Another lesser-known benefit of mosquitoes is that the males only feed on flowers, making them an unappreciated pollinator in wetter ecosystems.
Should We Make Mosquitoes Extinct?
7:35 minute video explains how scientists used to believe we could make mosquitoes go extinct via genetic alterations (tests on wild populations have shown that the species adapt too quickly for this to be effective). The video explores the benefits of mosquitoes as well as what we could lose or open the gates for if we did manage to eliminate them.
Predators
As we continue to push the magority of insect life towards extinction, moquitoes have been breeding rampantly, creating a vital source of food for many predator and omnivorous species.
Amphibians
Frogs
Terrestrial Frogs
Tree Frogs
Toads
Birds
Hummingbirds
These tiny birds are famous for pollinating and feeding from flowers, but they also need a source of protein. Moquitoes are the perfect size for hummers, who need plenty of insects to feed their growing chicks.
Fish
Fish have been seen eating adult mosquitoes, but they are probably better at eating them while in their larval stage. Aquatic species also eat mosquito eggs.
Insects
Dragonflies
Spiders
Resources & Guides
Using A Sweep Net by Texas Junior Naturalists offers practical information including links to bug guides by Order.
North America
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center (Interactive) "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."
Organizations
North America
Canada
Pollinator Partnership Canada " is a registered charity dedicated to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems through conservation, education, and research."
Maps
North America
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center (Interactive) "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."