Why Mosquitoes Need Blood
WouterHundreds of thousands of people die each year from mosquito-related diseases. They are known to carry West Nile virus, which can cause fever, body aches and headaches. In some countries, they also carry dengue.
While female mosquitoes can lay up to 40 eggs without blood, they need the proteins found in blood to fertilize the eggs. They also need the energy from protein to ovulate. If they don’t get enough blood, the offspring will be small and weak.
The mouth of a mosquito is called a proboscis. It is composed of six thin needlelike mouthparts.
The proboscis does not look like a spear; it is actually a long, flexible needle-pump that raises the blood when it’s inside a hole.
Some scientists believe that the mosquitoes have learned to “drink juice” recently, since they have developed a mechanism that can detect a chemical in the human blood. However, it’s important to note that mosquitoes have been drinking blood for hundreds of years.
There are many different species of mosquitoes, which live in various environments. Some are attracted to warm-blooded animals, while others attack fish. Some are specialized for one type of host. Other mosquitoes feed on plant foods.
When a female mosquito bites, she selects a thin, warm part of the skin to bite. She also uses her mouthparts to pierce the skin.
After the bite, the mosquito secretes saliva into the bloodstream. This helps lubricate the mouthpart opening. Once the mouthpart is fully filled, the female mosquito will begin to search for a host. If she finds a host, she will begin to eat and lay eggs.
