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These images of the mosquito show in fascinating detail the amazing body parts of this common insect. At the left, you can see its large compound eyes. Despite their size, the moquito doesn't find its victim by sight ... rather, it uses chemical sensors to detect carbon dioxide given off by its prey. |
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The mosquito at the right is just emerging from its pupal stage under the surface of a pond. Only female mosquitos draw blood; they need it to provide nourishment for their eggs. |
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What you see on the left is a scanning electron microscope view of the tip of a mosquito's proboscis. The actual tube that punctures your skin like a hypodermic needle is hidden inside. |
| As the 'needle' emerges from its sheath and enters your skin, the mosquito first injects anti-coagulant into your blood, to thin it and keep it from coagulating (turning into a solid) in its stomach. It's this anti-coagulant that causes tha allergic reaction in your skin, resulting in redness and itching. |
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Bill Willis 1999 Wunderland Website Design |