A closer look

The next time a mosquito ruins your evening patio drinks, just know you are the victim of a very aggressive, expecting mother. Male mosquitoes are gentle pollinators who live exclusively on plant nectar and want nothing to do with you. The females, however, require the rich protein and iron found in your blood to develop their eggs. So you aren't just a snack; you're a mandatory prenatal supplement for a swarm of flying needles.