The above diagram illustrates the tip of the mosquitos extended mouth. The mandible and maxilla aid in piercing the skin of its victim. Diseases are transmitted through the saliva duct. There are over 2,500 species of mosquito in the world and over 150 occur in the United States.
Males differ from females in that they have feathery antennae and drink nectar for food.
The females mouth parts are structured for piercing skin and drinking blood from mammals which they use to fertilize their eggs. Mosquitoes can transmit a host of diseases to humans including malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis. In tropical regions, malaria has caused millions of deaths and is still prevalent, especially in developing countries. They breed in any stagnant water including house gutters and abandoned tires.