Is it Only Female Mosquitoes That Bite?
WouterDespite the fact that male mosquitoes can’t bite humans, they are still very dangerous vectors. In fact, mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting a number of diseases to millions of people every year. Some of the most dangerous include dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile.
Male and female mosquitoes differ in several ways. The most obvious difference is that males don’t bite. They feed on plant juices or nectar. The female mosquito, on the other hand, uses her proboscis to pierce your skin. The mouthparts are quite long and have tiny needle-like ends. This enables her to enter your body and ingest a blood meal.
The female mosquito’s stinger is not as irritating as a medical needle. The specialized stylet is a stubby bit that she pokes into your skin, but it’s so small that you probably won’t notice it. She uses sensory information to locate the best target.
The female mosquito’s saliva contains a cocktail of substances that counteract the defenses of your body against infection. The cocktail includes anticoagulants and vasodilators. The combination of these numbs the skin and prevents clotting.
The mosquito’s other talisman is a mouthpart that pierces your skin. It has a sharp end that can easily snag your skin. It also has a carbon dioxide sensor that detects your breath.
If you’re bitten by a mosquito, you will most likely notice an itching sensation and small, raised bumps on your skin. If the bite is severe, you may have itching for a day or two. These tiny bumps are pruritic papules. They aren’t painful, but they are annoying.
