Only female mosquitoes feed on blood.
Why Do Female Mosquitoes Need Blood?
Female mosquitoes require a blood meal for egg production. Blood provides essential proteins, iron, and amino acids necessary for the development of their eggs. Without this blood meal, they cannot successfully reproduce. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, feed solely on nectar and other plant juices.
The Process of Blood Feeding
Female mosquitoes use a sophisticated system of six thin, needle-like mouthparts (stylets) to pierce the skin, locate blood vessels, and extract blood. This process is crucial for their reproductive cycle and unfortunately, it's how they transmit diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the vast majority of female mosquitoes feed on blood, some species of adult females maintain a diet of plant nectar and sugars, similar to males. However, this is an exception rather than the norm.
In Summary
The simple answer is: only female mosquitoes. The blood meal is critical for their egg development and reproduction. Male mosquitoes do not feed on blood.
