The best-known biting insect, mosquitos make many areas nearly uninhabitable in certain seasons and at certain times of the day. While most are nocturnal, many attack in daytime, or close to sunrise and sunset. They are most common out-of-doors, but many enter houses, especially at night and in the tropics. They seriously disrupt the lives of many animals and birds, aside from human beings, and often carry disease to their victims.

Like most insects, mosquitos begin with a fertilized egg. Depending on the species, eggs may be laid in a variety of waters, from those of quiet pools (even snow pools), to salt water marshes, to tree holes and gutters. Although eggs may hatch in a few days, under humid conditions eggs of some species may remain viable for several years.

NEXT