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Photo#11027
Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - female

Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - Female
Mill Creek Nature Center, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA
October 2, 2004
Last one, after 1 minute and 16 seconds since she started feeding. She must be close to bursting. Even laden, she managed to escape. That spot itched for a week.

I recall reading a story about mosquitos in what used to be a regular feature of Discover magazine that mixed science with a healthy dose of humor. I think this one was all about how mosquitos are attracted to people (some people really are more attractive than others). Anyway, the article mentioned something that's probably phooey but sticks with me to this day. It said that a mosquito can only control the flow of blood intake by withdrawing. If they cannot, they will burst. So if you're careful and can manage to manipulate your skin in such a way that they cannot remove themselves, you can exact your revenge :). I doubt it, but it's fun to imagine (I hate mosquitos).

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Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - female Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - female Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - female Mosquito - Feeding Sequence - Aedes vexans - female

exacting revenge
I just came across this entry and even though it's from a couple of years ago I'd like to add my 2cents worth. To trap the mosquito and make her blow up, wait until she has started tapping your blood and very carefully position your thumb and index finger on each side of her - but not too close to scare her off. Quickly tighten the skin by spreading the fingers apart and hopefully she won't be able to dislodge. You would have to hold this position until she blows. Ok, ok, I'll admit I haven't been successful, yet, but it's fun trying. Trial and error with practice may just work. Good luck.

Mosquito bite
What a great sequence!

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