Bzzzzz! With the arrival of warm weather, the number 1 enemy of outdoor enthusiasts is back: the mosquito. Did you know that scientists are studying the behavior of this blood-drinking insect? Discover 4 facts about the most unbearable bug of the summer! (PS We recommend reading this article outside, near a citronella candle!)
Chloé Lahondère is an entomologist, which means she is a pro when it comes to insects. Last week, during a conference, she painted a super interesting portrait of the mosquito. Here is what we noted for you.
Madame Maringouin
Eh yes ! The mosquitoes that bite us are female. This is because they need to eat a protein-rich food to lay their eggs. And this food… it’s our blood. Males have a quite different diet. It is almost entirely composed of sugar which they find in flower nectar, in fruits and in tree sap.
A multifunction horn
The mosquito bites us with its trunk. Yes, yes: a trunk! This member is a real Swiss army knife. The proboscis is equipped with 6 tiny needles that all have a different function, such as cutting skin, finding veins, and sucking blood (like a straw). It’s almost… technological!
A captivating scent
Do you get bitten more often than your friends? I do ! There is a reason: our smell. This is how Madame Maringouin stalks us. First, when we breathe, we release a gas called carbon dioxide. That’s what attracts him. Once it gets closer to us, its antennae locate us thanks to the scent we give off. Madame has a weakness for several different smells, such as those of plants, soap… and feet.
Watch out for the jeans!
Madame Maringouin can sting through clothing that sticks to our skin, such as jeans. She also loves contrasts (colors that are very different from each other) and dark colors. If you don’t want to turn into a mosquito feast, wear loose, light-colored clothes!
Camille Lopez, The Aces of Info
According to an article by Pauline Gravel, The duty
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