How do Mosquito Bite?

🦟 How Mosquitoes Use Six Needles to Suck Your Blood

Have you ever wondered how a mosquito manages to pierce your skin and draw blood so efficiently? The PBS Deep Look video titled "How Mosquitoes Use Six Needles to Suck Your Blood" delves into the intricate anatomy of a mosquito's feeding mechanism, revealing a complex system designed for one purpose: to feed on blood.

🔬 The Six-Needle System

Contrary to the common belief that mosquitoes use a single needle-like structure, they actually employ a sophisticated apparatus composed of six distinct parts:

Two Maxillae: Saw-like structures that move back and forth to cut through the skin.
Two Mandibles: These hold the tissues apart, allowing deeper penetration.
Labrum: This needle searches for a blood vessel beneath the skin.
Hypopharynx: This delivers saliva containing anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting.

This ensemble allows the mosquito to efficiently locate and access blood vessels while minimizing detection by the host.

Saliva: The Secret Sauce

The mosquito's saliva plays a crucial role in its feeding process. It contains enzymes that prevent blood from clotting, ensuring a smooth flow through the mosquito's proboscis. However, this saliva can also transmit pathogens, making mosquitoes vectors for diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.

🧠 Fun Fact

Only female mosquitoes feed on blood, which they require for egg development. Males, on the other hand, primarily feed on nectar and other plant-based substances.