Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore, a CDC officer and Culicidologist, discusses fascinating mosquito facts like their feeding habits, attraction to specific hosts, high-pitched sounds, and mouthparts. She sheds light on keeping mosquitoes at bay and upcoming topics on diseases and repellents. Discover the world of mosquitoes and why they're more than just blood-sucking pests.
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Quick takeaways
Mosquito-borne diseases are caused by pathogenic agents they carry, not the mosquitoes themselves.
Mosquitoes possess unique and beautiful features like shiny scales and varied color patterns.
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and diet influences, impacting disease transmission.
Deep dives
Mosquitoes as Vectors of Deadly Diseases
Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus. They have caused more human deaths than any other creature, with almost 1 million people dying annually from mosquito-borne illnesses. The pathogenic agents they carry, rather than the mosquitoes themselves, are the culprits for these fatalities.
Admiring the Intricacies of Mosquito Morphology
Mosquitoes possess unique features like their elongated mouthparts, slender legs, and shiny scales. These intricate details are observed under a microscope, revealing beauty in their otherwise common appearance. Different mosquito species exhibit varied color patterns and structures, some even showcasing striking hues like sapphire blues, enhancing their allure.
Mosquito Life Cycle and Feeding Habits
The mosquito life cycle involves egg laying by females near water bodies, leading to larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal for egg development, as it provides essential nutrients like amino acids and iron. Mosquitoes typically feed on nectar when not seeking blood, acting as pollinators until the reproductive phase requires a blood source.
Mosquito Attraction Factors
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans through carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other compounds on our skin. The meta-study showed that factors like diet can also influence mosquito attraction. For instance, beer, bananas, and pregnancy can make individuals more appealing to mosquitoes.
Impact of Climate Change on Mosquito Population
Climate change affects mosquito habitats and disease transmission. Temperature influences mosquito growth rate and pathogen development. The extrinsic incubation period of malaria describes how long it takes for the parasite to develop in the mosquito before being transmitted. As temperatures rise, mosquito populations may shift, impacting disease risks.
They’re gorgeous. They’re picky moms, and tremendous flirts. They are sparkly. And they drink blood. We hopped on the line with mosquito researcher, medical entomologist, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, and Culicidologist, Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore to chat about mozzies. Why do skeeters bite you, specifically? Which ones should we watch out for? Why do they make high-pitched sounds? WHAT DO THEIR HELL MOUTHS LOOK LIKE? And how can I learn to love them? But also, how can I keep them away from me? Scream in your date's face and drink blood, if you’re a mosquito, because things are about to heat up. Next week: we’ll cover diseases and repellents, just for you.