There are about 150 types of mosquitoes in North America. Many of the mosquitoes near Swaner live in ponds or slow moving water but other types can live in tree holes or buckets of standing water.
The mosquito larvae are sometimes called “wiggle tails” because of the jerky way they swim through water. They change into a final stage called a pupa (or “tumbler”) right before becoming adults.
Although most mosquito adults feed on nectar, the females require a "blood meal" before laying eggs. Not only are the bites itchy or painful, they can also spread disease, so wear long sleeves or bug repellent to protect yourself!
Cool Fact:
Nearly all mosquito larvae have a breathing tube at the end of their body. This lets them get oxygen from the air above the water's surface.
Because of this trick, mosquito larvae can live in water with little or no dissolved oxygen -- conditions that would kill most aquatic insects.
