However, stinging and sucking blood is far from the main behavior of this group of insects, made up of around 3,500 species. In fact, they play an important role in maintaining natural ecosystems.

Thinking about mosquitoes, it's worth pointing out at least three important behaviors for the preservation of the environment - the ecological functions of these insects - without involving the blood of humans or any other species.

The problem is that, with the increase in average temperatures caused by climate change and other factors, they are multiplying more than they should, causing an imbalance. In this scenario, there is a proliferation of numerous diseases transmitted by these vectors, such as dengue, Zika, malaria and oropouche fever. This increases the feeling that they are a "plague".

1. Pollinating flowers

"The fundamental food of all adult mosquitoes is plant sugar and its associated nutrients, most often in the form of floral nectar," says scientist Daniel Peach, from the zoology department at the University of British Columbia, in an article on The Conversation platform.

"In the process of searching for nectar, mosquitoes pollinate many of the flowers they visit. This is one of the most commonly overlooked ecological functions of mosquitoes," says the Canadian researcher.

Here, it's important to note that, among the species that bite, it's exclusively the females that feed on blood, as part of the process of developing their eggs.

2. Decomposition of organic matter

Although mosquitoes are best known for having wings and buzzing insistently at night, they are born from eggs and, for a few days, live as larvae in puddles and lakes, for example.

"The mosquito larvae grow by consuming microorganisms such as algae and microbes," says Daniel. At this stage, they also help in the process of decomposing organic matter.

3. Base of the food chain

Throughout its life, a mosquito forms the base of the food chain of the ecosystem in which it lives. For example, larvae are the base of the aquatic food chain, serving as a rich source of nutrients for different predators, such as fish and birds.

"Adult mosquitoes are eaten by many creatures, including birds, bats, frogs and other insects," explains the scientist. In Brazil, they are also a typical dish for lizards.

Although mosquitoes have a reputation as pests because of their blood-sucking relatives, "not all mosquito species are responsible for spreading pathogens," adds Daniel, highlighting their importance in nature.