Scientifically known as Culicidae, and a member of the insect order, Diptera, mosquitoes are an extremely successful group of organisms. Like other insects, mosquitoes have a head with mouthparts and a pair of antennae, an abdomen, and a three-segmented thorax each with a pair of legs. They also only have one pair of wings, which is a defining characteristic of the order, Diptera.
Mosquitoes are one of an estimated 14,000 species of insect capable of feeding on vertebrate blood (Lehane 2005). For this to be possible, they have adapted specialized features. The main feature mosquitoes have developed is their highly specialized mouthparts. Interestingly, however, only female mosquitoes have developed the ability to pierce skin and suck blood (Becker et al. 2003). The males’ mouthparts have also adapted, but only for sucking plant juices and other sources of sugars (Resh & Carde 2009).
So why is it only females who are blood-feeders?
For most species of mosquito, blood and the proteins and nutrients contained within are vital for egg-production (Becker et al. 2003). Without the nourishment provided from a blood meal, the eggs would not develop.
These bloodsucking arthropods also pose a significant threat to human health, as they are vectors of certain human diseases. Four of these diseases that we will explore are:
· Malaria
· Dengue Fever
· Yellow Fever
· Ross River Fever
Mosquitoes are one of an estimated 14,000 species of insect capable of feeding on vertebrate blood (Lehane 2005). For this to be possible, they have adapted specialized features. The main feature mosquitoes have developed is their highly specialized mouthparts. Interestingly, however, only female mosquitoes have developed the ability to pierce skin and suck blood (Becker et al. 2003). The males’ mouthparts have also adapted, but only for sucking plant juices and other sources of sugars (Resh & Carde 2009).
So why is it only females who are blood-feeders?
For most species of mosquito, blood and the proteins and nutrients contained within are vital for egg-production (Becker et al. 2003). Without the nourishment provided from a blood meal, the eggs would not develop.
These bloodsucking arthropods also pose a significant threat to human health, as they are vectors of certain human diseases. Four of these diseases that we will explore are:
· Malaria
· Dengue Fever
· Yellow Fever
· Ross River Fever