Why Do Mosquitoes Suck Blood?

Female mosquitoes are the only ones that suck blood, and they don't do it for survival — they do it because they need blood to produce eggs. Mammalian blood provides nutrients such as iron and protein that the mosquito needs to produce eggs and that it can't get from its normal food, nectar. After a female mosquito has fed, it takes only a few days before it can lay eggs and start looking for blood again. Male mosquitoes live only off nectar and other sugar sources.

More facts about mosquitoes:

• The word "mosquito" actually originated as the Spanish word for "little fly."


• Mosquitoes have a very short lifespan. They take about 40 days to develop into adults — though in some areas this can happen in as few as five days — but most mosquitoes live for only a week or two. Males tend to die earlier than females, which can live for a month or longer in captivity.


• One type of mosquito actually eats other mosquitos' larvae and sometimes kills them just for fun. Mosquitos from the Toxorhynchites genus have been successfully used to reduce mosquito populations in several areas.


• Mosquitoes have a powerful sense of smell. They have 72 types of odor receptors on their antennae, and at least 27 of those are used for detecting chemicals in sweat, such as nonanal and octenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do mosquitoes suck blood?

Mosquitoes, specifically female mosquitoes, suck blood to obtain nutrients necessary for egg production. The protein and iron found in blood are crucial for the development of their eggs. This process is known as hematophagy and is essential for the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes, ensuring the survival of their species.

Do all mosquitoes require blood to survive?

No, not all mosquitoes require blood to survive. Male mosquitoes, for instance, feed exclusively on nectar and other sugar sources. Females also consume these sugary fluids for energy, but blood is required for them to produce eggs. Thus, blood-feeding is primarily associated with female mosquitoes and their reproductive needs.

How do mosquitoes locate their blood hosts?

Mosquitoes have evolved to be highly adept at locating hosts through a combination of sensory cues. They detect carbon dioxide exhaled by animals, body odors, heat, and movement. Some species are even attracted to specific blood types more than others, as well as certain chemicals found in sweat, according to scientific studies.

Can mosquitoes transmit diseases when they suck blood?

Yes, mosquitoes can transmit diseases when they suck blood. They are vectors for various pathogens that cause illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and yellow fever. When a mosquito bites an infected host and then bites another individual, it can spread the disease-causing organisms.

How much blood can a mosquito consume in one feeding?

A mosquito can consume up to three times its weight in blood during a single feeding session. However, on average, a mosquito typically ingests about 0.001 to 0.01 milliliters of blood. Despite the small quantity, frequent bites can lead to significant blood loss in some cases, especially in areas with high mosquito populations.

Is there a peak time when mosquitoes are more likely to suck blood?

Yes, mosquitoes are generally more active during dawn and dusk when the air is cooler and less windy, making it easier for them to fly and locate hosts. Some species, however, are known to bite at any time of day, especially if the environment is conducive, such as in shaded or dark areas.