Bzzzzzzz . . . . !
It's a sound we love and hate. We love it because it means warm weather, swimming, and summer vacation. But then there's that itch . . .

Several insects look similar to mosquitoes, but don't bite. Male mosquitoes are strictly vegetarians, and do not bite either.

Tell us when the first mosquito bites you!

What to look for:

Chances are these critters will find YOU!
Mosquitoes (Culex sp.) are "true flies." All members of the order Diptera (house flies, deer flies, midges . . .) have two wings. Mosquitoes have six long legs, scales on their wings, and long mouthparts. Minnesota mosquitoes feed on nectar more than animal blood. Only females bite animals. They need our blood as a protein source for their developing eggs.

Watch in your neighborhood and around school. If you think you are the first person to see this event, ask your teacher to submit your name to the Wolf Ridge website (see table below.)

Where do mosquitoes live?
These flying "favorites" live just about anywhere there is enough water for them to lay their eggs (all of Minnesota!)

There are about 50 species of mosquitoes in Minnesota, and 170 - 200 in all of North America. There are at least 3000 different kinds of mosquitoes living on Earth!
Why should I care about mosquitoes ?

Are you crazy?????

People might ask you if you're nuts when you say the earth really does need mosquitoes, especially when they are buzzing and biting like crazy some warm summer night just after sunset! Just ask them if they like fish, dragonflies, birds . . . the list of animals who depend on mosquitoes and other insects for food goes on and on.
Cool Facts
Because they are cold-blooded, mosquitoes can only fly around (and bite) when the temperatures are warm enough.
Some mosquitoes hibernate all winter under tree bark! These are usually the first ones we see in spring.

Time flies for mosquitoes when it's warm out! When temperatures are warmer, mosquitoes grow and lay eggs faster.
Mosquitoes have 4 life cycle stages. Eggs are laid in water. Larvae hatch and feed in the pond. The larva pupates (like a caterpillar in a cocoon). The winged adult emerges, feeds, and lays more eggs in the water.
For food, both male and female mosquitoes eat plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite. The blood they harvest helps the developing eggs grow properly.
Think About It!
  1. Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2 (carbon dioxide.) How can you reduce your chances of being mosquito bait?
Explore the Web
Read about how and why mosquitoes and other flies bite us. From the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer.
Just in case you've forgotten what they sound like!
These mosquitoes are from Australia, but the photos of their life cycle stages are great and give you the general idea.
Diagram of the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Everything you might have ever wanted to know about mosquitoes . . . .
Learn more about . . . . in these Wolf Ridge classes:
If you take Lake Study and Stream Study class at Wolf Ridge, you will examine the physical, chemical and biological properties of Wolf Lake or Sawmill Creek. Wearing boots which are provided, and working in small groups, you will test temperature, pH, stream velocity, and dissolved oxygen. You will also use nets to collect and examine aquatic animal life. Can you tell from your explorations whether the lake and stream are healthy or not?
Date School Town Observer Comments
04/16/2010 Wolf Ridge Finland Dave Graf I was putting out life jackets to start the summer canoeing season down by Wolf Lake when I heard the ominous buzz . . .
03/30/2010 Two Harbors Area Carol The smacking will soon start! I noticed the presence of two of these pests flying around my face.