Scientists recently discovered hidden exotic mosquito species that, unlike their other relatives, do not need warm blood to lay their eggs, at least for the first batch.
The researchers determined that instead of breeding near lakes, ponds and swamps, the discovered mosquitoes of the genus Culex molestus have adapted to exist underground, especially in sedimentation tanks and unused drainpipes. Unlike other mosquitoes, these species of mosquitoes do not first go looking for fresh blood in order to leave offspring.
“The intriguing biology of these underground mosquitoes shows that city dwellers will have to take this into account when building reservoirs,” said Cameron Webb, a medical entomologist at the University of Sydney School of Medicine and author of the study.
“For the last two years we have been hunting for these species, which have perfectly adapted to life under large cities. Finding these mosquitoes was not easy. Instead of wandering over untouched humid areas, they hid in drainpipes and other contaminated structures, he added.
Scientists found these unusual insects in the toilets of amusement parks in large cities, where they felt great without biting anyone. Many other mosquito species require blood to lay eggs. Blood contains the nutrients that allow eggs to develop in their earliest stages.
“We discovered that if these mosquitoes were offered fresh meat to drink their blood, they would not bite until the first batch of eggs had been laid. These mosquitoes are the only species in Australia to exhibit this behavior, Webb said. "As soon as the first eggs are laid, they go in search of blood and can turn into quite nasty biting insects."
The main conclusion that the researchers made after receiving the results is that when building underground reservoirs and water supply systems in cities, the risks associated with these mosquitoes should be taken into account, so design the construction so that mosquitoes do not have the opportunity to breed there.
Scientists believe that the Culex molestus mosquitoes were introduced to Australia in the 1940s by American troops who came here.
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