Humans have long been at war with the troublesome mosquito; after all, they are responsible for the spread of several diseases including malaria, encephalitis, and the West Nile virus. We spend millions of dollars each year on mosquito control and douse ourselves with chemicals to avoid becoming a tasty treat while trying to enjoy the outdoors. However after doing some reading, I discovered that mosquitoes play an important role in the pollination of certain wildflowers and provide a valuable food source to several species of birds and insects. So, the next time I am out hiking, I will try to remember the valuable responsibility mosquitos play in nature.