We all know that mosquitoes are one of the biggest nuisances in the outdoor world. And a nuisance is putting it mildly. In some countries mosquitoes are deadly. Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for over 1 million deaths every year. Some common types of mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika.
Most people would say that mosquitoes are good for nothing and contribute to nothing but trouble. But what about the ecosystem? What does a mosquito do in an ecosystem? As it turns out, there is evidence to suggest that mosquitoes serve some purpose. One study by researchers from Yale University found that mosquitos provide food sources for birds during periods of drought. Mosquitos provide food for birds, bats, and spiders. This doesn’t mean that mosquitoes can be completely absolved of all their bad qualities but it does suggest they serve some purpose.
What do you think about mosquitos? Do you have any mosquito-related good stories or experiences to share with us? Let’s hear them in the comments!