Can Mosquitoes Drink Blood Outside the Body?
WouterUntil recently, scientists didn’t know whether mosquitoes could drink blood outside of their bodies. A new study from the Pasteur Institute in France has shown that yes, these insects do.
Researchers used a DCR-DVD 810 Sony Digital camcorder to record blood feeding behavior for 30 minutes. A Schott bottle was filled with 0.3 ml of blood and then covered with Parafilm. This was placed on a white net.
The female mosquito will typically ingest five microliters of blood in one meal. In the process, it pierces through the skin with its mandibles. The mandibles also function as hooks and saws to pierce the host’s skin.
The male mosquito can also feed on sugar. His mandibles are shorter than those of the female, which helps the mosquito penetrate the layers of the skin.
The males also need a source of energy, so they prefer the nectar of plants. Their digestive systems are similar to those of butterflies. The insect has a stomachlike chamber called the crop, which has nerve endings that act as stretch receptors. This signals the brain when the crop is full. It also inhibits further ingestion.
According to the research, the Asian tiger mosquito, a common biter in North America, can ingest as much as 1.1 million human blood cells in a single meal. The amount varies with age and weight.
Although these results are impressive, they are still very controversial. In addition to concerns over the safety of live animals, IRB approval is also a major issue.
