Why Do Mosquitoes Need Blood?
WouterSeveral species of mosquito use blood from humans and animals as a source of nutrition. These insects transmit vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile. They are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Some mosquitoes, like the Aedes aegypti, are the primary vectors of dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and yellow fever. They also transmit West Nile virus, which spreads across the United States in 1999.
There are 3,500 mosquito species around the world. Each species has its own unique feeding strategy. Some mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and others bite humans or other animals.
Female mosquitoes need blood for egg production. They lay about 100 eggs at a time. During this process, they consume blood to get protein and energy for egg development. They may consume more blood when they are dehydrated.
When they need blood for egg production, they find their host by using a combination of cues. They also release chemicals after they have had their fill. They then hunt for a suitable place to process their meal.
Most female mosquitoes prefer to ingest blood from a human or other animal. They will suck one to three times their weight in blood. Their mouthparts are sharp, so they can see through the skin. They then insert a proboscis into the host’s skin and take out the blood. They can then transfer the virus and parasites to another host.
Although female mosquitoes are not known to bite humans, they can transmit dengue and West Nile viruses. They can also carry the parasites that cause malaria.
