It’s rare for insects to drink blood. Then why do mosquitoes consume blood, instead of food?
Mosquitos are notorious for their blood bites, which can be not only irritating but also dangerous. The truth behind their appetite and the mechanism behind why they bite humans and other animals are rooted in their life cycle. Understanding these concepts could possibly make you feel that they do need to drink your blood in order for survival.
Did you know that not all types of mosquitoes drink blood? Female mosquitoes bite in order to obtain the nutrients for egg production. Unlike males, who feed on nectar and plant juices, they require blood in order to develop their eggs. Human and animal blood contains proteins and iron, which are essential for an egg’s growth. This necessity drives these mosquitos to look out for blood that is available around them.
These mosquitos can find blood easily since they are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat and sweat. This sense of detention allows them to find their “blood-hosts” better. After landing, they use their proboscis, also known as their nose, to pierce the skin and access blood vessels. Although the process may sound deadly, it is not painful at all. Only after the bite follows a pain; mosquitoes’ saliva contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, which not only help feeding but also trigger immune responses, eventually leading to swelling and itching.
Mosquito behavior and their breeding habitats connect to each other. Mosquitos breed by standing on water, where population increases due to rainfall and dirty environments. The environmental factors that influence mosquito populations have been studied to reduce breeding sites and control adult mosquito populations.
The biological and geographical explanations suggest that mosquitos are a part of our lifestyle, and we cannot stop their massive population or unfriendly attacks. Now that you learned about mosquitos and how they bite you, you’ll always shower before bed, right?
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