Do Mosquitoes Have Ears?

Until recently, scientists believed that insects only hear at close range. They had no idea that mosquitoes could listen over a distance that is normally limited by ear hairs. In fact, they can hear sounds from as far as 10 meters.

Previously, only cicadas and lacewings were known to have ears. In addition to their ear on their abdomen, insects also have antennae on their wings. These antennae use fine hairs to pick up vibrations from air particles vibrating at a certain frequency.

Mosquitoes use a complicated creature-detection system. Female mosquitoes seek out human hosts by using thermal sensing and a variety of sensory cues. These include smell, taste and hearing. They then use their antennae to follow these signals.

They then develop signature songs to attract their mates. The insects also learn to detect the presence of dark spots. A study from Cornell University revealed that mosquitoes can hear sounds over a range that is beyond their normal ear drums.

Researchers discovered that mosquitoes have auditory nerves that send electrical signals to the brain. This allows the insects to recognize buzzing noises.

Mosquitoes can also detect carbon dioxide. This is especially concentrated in the air closest to the nose and mouth. A pregnant woman exhales 20% more carbon dioxide than a non-pregnant woman. This alerts the insects to the possibility of a potential blood host.

This information has the potential to inspire the development of highly sensitive directional microphones.

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