There are approximately 2000 species of mosquitoes ranging from the tropics to the Arctic Circle and from sea level to
mountaintops. All mosquitoes belong to the insect order Diptera, which includes all of the flies, or two-winged insects. All species
of Dipterans have a single pair of wings for flying and a second vestigial pair called halteres, which act as organs of balance. The
female mosquito has enlarged mouthparts adapted for piercing the skin of mammals and sucking blood. The males have
reduced mouthparts and feed instead on nectar and water.
