Discovering mosquito species without 'blood meal'

Scientists have discovered an exotic and secretive mosquito that doesn't need a 'blood meal' before laying eggs, according to IANS news agency.

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Researchers found that, instead of spawning in ponds and marshes, culex molestus mosquitoes have adapted to underground life, especially in septic pits and unused rainwater drains.

Unlike other mosquitoes, this mosquito can also develop eggs without having to 'cup' the blood first.

Culex molestus mosquito

'This strange biology of mosquitoes that live underground shows people in urban areas need to see this amazing adaptation of mosquitoes when designing water storage systems , ' said Cameron Webb, a The entomologist is part of the University of Sydney Medical School (Australia), and is the team leader, said.

While most harmful mosquitoes need blood to grow eggs, females of culex molestus can grow and lay a batch of eggs using previously stored nutrients in their lifecycle.

This phenomenon is called autogenous and has been recorded in some mosquito species.

'The breakthrough in our research is that if mosquitoes are offered a blood meal, it will not sting after laying the first batch of eggs. We believe this is the only mosquito in Australia to show this behavior , 'Mr. Webb said.

The culex molestus mosquitoes are thought to have been introduced to southern Australia in the 1940s when they "accompanied" American soldiers to the country.

The research results have been published in the Journal of Vector Ecology.