Many people use the term “mosquito eater” to describe certain insects, often believing these creatures actively hunt and consume mosquitoes. This popular understanding frequently stems from misidentification. The phrase typically conjures images of large, gangly flying insects similar to oversized mosquitoes. Unraveling this misconception reveals which animals truly help control mosquito populations.
The Common Misconception: Crane Flies
The insect most frequently mistaken for a “mosquito eater” is the crane fly. These insects possess long, slender bodies and exceptionally long, delicate legs, leading many to confuse them with giant mosquitoes. Crane flies are often seen bumbling around lights or flying awkwardly. Despite common nicknames like “mosquito hawk” or “skeeter-eater,” adult crane flies do not prey on mosquitoes or other insects.
Adult crane flies have a very short lifespan, typically a few days to about two weeks. Many adult crane fly species do not feed at all, while others may consume nectar from flowers or decaying plant matter. They are anatomically incapable of biting or stinging humans, and they lack the mouthparts necessary to capture and consume other insects like mosquitoes. While some rare instances suggest certain crane fly larvae might consume mosquito larvae, this is not a significant or primary part of their diet.
Animals That Really Eat Mosquitoes
Many animals genuinely contribute to the natural control of mosquito populations by preying on them at different life stages. Aquatic predators target mosquito larvae, which develop in standing water. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are well-known for consuming large numbers of mosquito larvae and are often introduced for biological control. Other fish species like guppies, bass, bluegill, and catfish also feed on mosquito larvae.
The aquatic larval stages of various insects are also effective predators of mosquito larvae. Dragonfly nymphs, which can spend up to two years in water, are voracious hunters that feed on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic insects. Damselfly nymphs, similar to dragonflies, also consume mosquito larvae. The larvae and adults of some diving beetles (Dytiscidae) also prey on mosquito larvae, with certain species showing a preference for them.
Once mosquitoes emerge as flying adults, they become prey for a different set of animals. Adult dragonflies are highly effective aerial predators, catching mosquitoes and other small flying insects mid-air using their agile flight and keen eyesight. Birds are significant predators of adult mosquitoes, with species like swallows, nighthawks, and purple martins actively consuming them during flight. Nighthawks, for example, primarily hunt at dusk and dawn, scooping up flying insects, including mosquitoes, with their wide mouths. Bats also consume mosquitoes as part of their general insectivorous diet, although their overall impact on large mosquito populations is often less significant than commonly believed.