Any winged insect of the family Culicidae, order Diptera, having a narrow abdomen, a long and slender proboscis, and narrow wing scales on the wing margins and veins. Males have feather-like antennae and mouthparts which are not adapted for piercing. Females have slender antennae and a set of needlelike organs in the proboscis with which they puncture the skin of animals to feed on their blood. The larvae, sometimes called wigglers because of their swimming motions, are aquatic, but usually come to the surface to breathe. The pupae, sometimes called tumblers because of their swimming motions, are also aquatic and generally found at the water surface.
Many species pass through several generations found at the water surface.
Some mosquitoes are important in the transmission of disease-causing agents, whereas others are important more for their pestiferous habits. Mosquitoes must have water to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although flying adults frequently rest in these areas during daylight hours. Only the female mosquito bites to obtain a blood meal. The male mosquito lives only on plant juices.