The most significant mosquito-borne disease in the world is malaria, Nair said. The females of many mosquito species also need to feed on blood for their eggs to develop.Īrizona's cold-blooded residents: What to know about Gila monsters, snakes, tortoises What diseases do mosquitoes carry? What do mosquitoes eat?Īdult mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers and other sources of sugar, such as plant or fruit juices, and honeydew secreted by certain plant sap-sucking insects like aphids. Six or seven species are of concern as disease spreaders. More than 40 species of mosquitoes are found in Arizona, Nair said. More: Are you seeing more moths in Phoenix? Here's what's going on How many species of mosquitoes does Arizona have? But the tiny insects play an important role in the ecosystem. Mosquitoes are part of the food chain and are eaten by bats, birds and even fish.
When there is a lack of rain, these eggs can survive thanks to human irrigation practices.
Some species can survive seasons as eggs, without rain or water. In these places, Nair said, bodies of water typically warm up under the sun for a few hours each day and that's enough to sustain mosquito breeding.Īrizona's highest elevations don’t have mosquitoes all year, but Nair said larvae that winter over in frozen pools can reactivate when the weather warms up. Listen: Why is West Nile virus on the rise in Arizona? Valley 101 podcast explores When is mosquito season in Arizona?Īccording to Nair, most parts of Arizona have mosquitoes year round because they don't get cold enough for a long period of time.
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