How Do Mosquitoes Make Noise?
WouterAlmost a hundred years ago, British entomologists described an organ on the base of mosquitoes’ wings that allows them to hear. They called it the Johnston organ after its discoverer, Dr. Christopher Johnston.
The organ allows mosquitoes to detect sounds from about 32 feet away. In addition, they also pick up odors and warmth. These are important sensory cues to aid mosquitoes in locating humans. Previously, it was believed that mosquitoes worked only at close range. This study shows that mosquitoes can hear sounds from farther away, opening the door to developing highly sensitive directional microphones.
Female mosquitoes produce a buzzing noise for mating purposes. They produce a higher-pitched sound than male mosquitoes. They have a pitch that sounds like the musical note A. They also need blood for energy and to produce eggs.
When a male mosquito comes in contact with a female, they try to match the pitch of their buzz with that of the female’s. If the pitch does not match, they will not be able to mate.
Male mosquitoes are also known to pick up carbon dioxide. They exhale more carbon dioxide when they are larger. They are also attracted to people who have the blood type O.
Male mosquitoes produce a low-pitched buzz. They are not bothered by people. They do not want to drink blood. Previously, scientists believed that mosquitoes needed eardrums and feathery antennae with fine hairs to hear sounds from far away. But the researchers found that mosquitoes can hear sounds from as far as 10 meters.
