Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects we all have to deal with, as it leaves us itchy and hammers away at our sleep. Yet, many don’t realize the creature has some fascinating and odd behavior. One of the most common questions we hear on this vexing animal is “Does a mosquito die after it bites you?”. To answer this burning question and put an end to any myths and speculations, let’s look into this issue, exploring the common behaviors of a mosquito and debunking any myths about them.
Mosquito Anatomy and Behaviors
Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Yes, mosquitoes do bite. Though, as with other animals, they don’t bite humans all the time. The bites are usually a sign that the mosquito has finished drinking up the blood, which they swallow in order to obtain necessary proteins. Male and female mosquitoes don’t actually need human blood to survive. The female mosquitoes only drink human blood because this is their only source of the necessary proteins.
What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?
Mosquitoes are usually attracted to dark colored clothing and the carbon dioxide we exhale. Sweat and fragrances from perfumes and lotions can also draw them towards us. Contrary to many common misconceptions, mosquitoes are not drawn to bright light and getting rid of such light sources won’t stop them from coming. It’s also not true that mosquitoes are most active at dusk – any part of the day or night can be a feeding time for them.
How Long Do Mosquitoes Live?
The average lifespan of a mosquito is around 2 weeks to a month during which the female mosquito can lay 30 or more eggs at a time. The time taken for eggs to hatch depends on the species and on external weather conditions such as temperature, humidity and rainfall.
Conclusion
In short, myths and speculations about mosquitoes’ behaviors don’t end with this one question – what happens after they bite us? Do they die? Despite some people’s assertions, there is no scientific proof that a mosquito dies after it bites you. As we can see, mosquitoes’ feeding behaviors are regulated by their anatomy and a few things like protein needs that they always need to look for. So the next time someone says a mosquito will die if it bites you, you can politely let them know that it’s untrue.