Why is it Only Female Mosquitoes Bite?
WouterBesides being annoying, mosquitoes can also spread diseases. Among the most commonly transmitted are West Nile and dengue fever. These mosquitoes have six legs and a long mouthpart that allows them to pierce human skin. The female mosquito has a special stinging mechanism that is more subtle than a medical needle.
The female mosquito’s stinging mechanism actually works together, so that you may not notice the bite until a lump appears. The stinging is a combination of saliva and injury to the skin, which produces a mild irritation. The female mosquito’s mouthparts are actually tiny needles, which pierce the skin, then extract blood from nearby blood vessels.
The female mosquito also has a nifty-looking device called a “mouth tube” that drains blood from nearby blood vessels. The mouth tube also serves as a lubricant for the mouthpart, which allows the mosquito to penetrate human skin.
The female mosquito also has a “needle-like protrusion” that injects a cocktail of substances to counteract wound defense and vasoconstriction. The most impressive of these is a “secret” ingredient that helps the mosquito penetrate the skin without breaking the skin.
The female mosquito has an impressive life cycle. They are capable of laying hundreds of eggs in just two weeks. They feed off of blood and nectar from flowers and plants. They are capable of holding up to three times their own weight in blood. They can live for up to a month. They also feed on amphibians and reptiles. Some female mosquitoes hibernate during the winter.
