What do female mosquitoes primarily feed on?

Female mosquitoes primarily feed on the blood of hosts, which is crucial for their reproduction. Unlike male mosquitoes, which predominantly feed on plant nectar for energy, females require the proteins and iron found in blood to develop their eggs fully. This need drives them to seek out hosts, typically mammals, birds, or reptiles, to obtain the necessary nutrients.

While female mosquitoes do sometimes take in nectar and other plant-based substances as a source of sugar for energy, blood meals are essential for their lifecycle and reproduction. This is why the focus on feeding behavior highlights blood as a primary dietary source for female mosquitoes during the reproductive phase. Other food sources like plant nectar, fruit juices, and honeydew serve different purposes for mosquitoes or are mainly associated with male mosquitoes.