Do mosquitoes provide any UNIQUE good to the planet?

[ThelmaLou]

While we’re on the subject of mosquitoes.

From the Washington Post-

It’s one of the most relentless stalkers on Earth, using a tiny, needle-like probe to sip its victims’ blood. It dines almost exclusively on humans and never ventures far from where they live, laying eggs in bottle caps, used tires and flower pots. It fits easily onto a single fingernail and yet has tormented armies and obliterated the population of entire cities.

[Memnon]

@usedtobe

Really want to go double-or-nothing on more species?

Yeah, actually. Fuck mosquitos. They kill about half a million people a year, mostly kids. Fuck 'em right in the blood-pipe.

[Dewey_Finn]

A few years ago, I read about an idea to use a small, lower-powered laser and computing technology to zap mosquitoes and only mosquitoes. So this would be much more targeted and with less collateral damage than a pesticide. This article says the technology might soon be commercialized.

[Chronos]

Of course mosquitoes provide great benefit. All species do. But why would you suppose that they provide their benefit to we humans? No, mosquitoes’ purpose is to benefit mosquitoes.

[ThelmaLou]

@Chronos

Of course mosquitoes provide great benefit. All species do. But why would you suppose that they provide their benefit to we humans? No, mosquitoes’ purpose is to benefit mosquitoes.

Cite? I couldn’t find one.

[Senegoid]

@Chronos

Of course mosquitoes provide great benefit. All species do. But why would you suppose that they provide their benefit to we humans? No, mosquitoes’ purpose is to benefit mosquitoes.

Attack of the blood-sucking grammar mosquitos!!!

It should be: “But why would you suppose that they provide their benefit to us humans?” (Object of a preposition.)

(Sorry, Chronos. Sometimes I just can’t resist.)

[davida03801]

Beware of the effects of unintended consequences.