Which mosquito does not take a blood meal for egg development?

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Toxorhynchites is the correct answer as this genus of mosquito is known for its unique behavior compared to other types of mosquitoes. Unlike many other mosquitoes that require a blood meal to develop their eggs, Toxorhynchites mosquitoes do not feed on blood at all. Instead, they primarily feed on nectar and plant juices, which provides the necessary nutrients for their development without the need for a blood meal.

This characteristic sets Toxorhynchites apart from genera such as Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex, all of which require a blood meal for the proper development of their eggs. The dependence on blood meals in those genera is a key part of their reproductive cycle, highlighting the ecological roles different mosquito species play in their environments. By not requiring blood, Toxorhynchites can help control other mosquito populations since their larvae are also predatory, feeding on the larvae of other mosquito species.

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