Yes, female mosquitoes bite after mating. This is because they require the protein from a blood meal to develop their eggs. Male mosquitoes do not bite at all.
Why Female Mosquitoes Bite After Mating
Several sources confirm this behavior. Female mosquitoes need the protein in blood to produce and develop their eggs. This crucial nutrient is acquired after mating, when the female is fertilized and ready to reproduce. The blood meal isn't for sustenance; it's essential for egg production.
- Egg Development: The blood provides the necessary proteins for egg development.
- Mating Requirement: Mating occurs before the blood meal, not after. The female requires fertilization before she can utilize the blood proteins effectively.
- Only Females Bite: Male mosquitoes lack the necessary mouthparts for biting and feeding on blood.
References Supporting This Fact:
- Multiple sources, including the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/life-cycle-of-anopheles-mosquitoes.html), Chatham County Mosquito Control (https://mosquitocontrol.chathamcountyga.gov/Faq/MosquitoFAQs), and Anses (https://www.anses.fr/en/content/tiger-mosquito), explicitly state that female mosquitoes bite after mating to obtain the blood meal required for egg development.
In summary: The act of biting and obtaining a blood meal is a crucial post-mating behavior for female mosquitoes, directly linked to their reproductive cycle.
