Scientists group species by genus on the basis of the physical characteristics they share. The 3,000 mosquito species found in the world are divided among 28 different genera. The genus Aedes contains some of the worst pests. Many members of the genus Anopheles have the ability to transmit human malaria. It is sometimes more convenient to group mosquitoes by the breeding habitat they use.
Mosquitoes belong to a group of insects that requires blood to develop fertile eggs.
Males do not lay eggs, thus, male mosquitoes do not bite. Female mosquitoes lay multiple batches of eggs and require a blood meal for every batch they lay. Few people realize that mosquitoes rely on sugar as their main source of energy. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, fruit juices, and liquids that ooze from plants. The sugar is burned as fuel for flight and is replenished on a daily basis.