How Do Mosquitoes Use Your Blood to Make Babies?
WouterHundreds of thousands of people die every year due to mosquito-borne diseases. These insects are responsible for spreading such illnesses as West Nile, malaria, and dengue. There are more than 200 species of mosquitoes in the U.S. Some are more aggressive than others. The Aedes aegypti, for example, is most common in warm climates.
The female mosquito will use her mouthparts to pierce your skin to get a blood meal. This is how they make their living. They will drink about five millionths of a liter of blood in a single serving. They will then lubricate their mouth parts with saliva. This helps them to escape detection.
They also use their senses to locate their prey. When they detect a chemical or a thermal receptor, they know to bite. This includes the lactic acid found in your sweat. They may even be attracted to carbon dioxide in your breath.
When they ingest your blood, they will then leave behind a poisonous parting gift. These chemicals can cause inflammation and stinging. This is why it is a good idea to wear light colored t-shirts when you are outside at dawn or dusk.
When it comes to choosing your human hosts, female mosquitoes have preferences. Their favorite blood type is the O. They will also be attracted to pregnant women.
During the process of laying eggs, they require large amounts of protein. During their life, they will produce about ten broods.
