Uh Oh: Male Mosquitoes Can Feed on Our Blood, Too
Gizmodo••technology
Key Points:
- New research from Pennsylvania State University reveals that male mosquitoes, previously thought to feed only on nectar, can also feed on blood under certain conditions, such as dehydration.
- The study found that at least five species of male mosquitoes can blood-feed, and some wild-caught males tested positive for vertebrate DNA, indicating natural blood feeding.
- Experiments showed male mosquitoes could be infected with West Nile virus and potentially transmit it, raising concerns about their role in disease spread.
- The findings challenge long-held beliefs and have implications for mosquito control strategies, especially those involving sterile male releases to combat diseases.
- Researchers emphasize the need for further rigorous field studies and peer-reviewed validation to better understand the prevalence and impact of male mosquito blood feeding.
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