Why Do Mosquitoes Drink Blood?
WouterWhether you’re an urban dweller or living in a rural setting, you’re probably curious why do mosquitoes drink blood. These blood-sucking pests are responsible for millions of human deaths each year. Some scientists claim they have exterminated half of humanity.
The most obvious reason is that they require blood to feed their young. They also need the liquid for reproduction. Some species of mosquitoes can survive without human blood, but most prefer the warm blood of birds or mammals. Some species also nibble on reptiles. They are notorious for causing itchy inflammation and can even kill by causing pain.
There are about 3000 species of mosquitoes, which is quite a lot for a single animal. Although some of them may be more than a hundred years old, others have only recently been discovered. Some of the smallest mosquitoes are known to take advantage of human blood.
When searching for prey, mosquitoes use their antennae to sense their surroundings. They can also smell blood through carbon dioxide. They also have a few other tricks up their sleeve. They have a small clot-reducing enzyme that makes it easier for them to draw blood. They can pump blood from a hole in their body up to four times their weight.
Female mosquitoes also have a mouthpart that can pierce through skin. This is not a big deal in a laboratory, but it does make them a bit uncomfortable in the wild. It’s also important that the saliva contains a clot-reducing enzyme, which allows the mosquito to finish its meal.
