Buzzzz….
(Adaptations that keep the buzz going)
Anopheles earlei
has adapted its body structure numerous ways to its environment.
HEAD:
The head region has been adapted for acquiring sensory information with specialized
structures such
as:
-Compound Eyes
-Two Sensory Palps
-Antennae
Using antennae the mosquito can detect
- breeding sites where females lay eggs
- carbon dioxide and lactic acid from up to
100 feet away---
These gases are given off by mammals and birds in normal
breathing
-chemicals in sweat
The fact that mosquitoes can “smell” a person, explains why some people are always getting bit and others rarely do.
It all depends on your
personal biochemistry and if YOU “smell” like a suitable blood
meal to a female mosquito!
Other specialized structures of the
head region are:
-enlogate: proboscis used in feeding that projects forward
- palpus-mouth parts
-mouth brushes for feeding and propulsion in larvae
THORAX:
The thorax region has been specialized for…
......walk
...... or
..........fly!
This is accomplished by using specialized structures:
● One pair
of wings
● Flight muscles
A mosquito flies by using its wings and structures called halteres, that aid in balance.
●
Three pairs of legs
A mosquito can walk using its legs but can walk not only flat on the ground, but this insect can walk up a wall, defy gravity and walk on the ceiling, and also walk on water!
Walking
on the wall-
Because of special foot pads that are equipped with setae (bristle-like structures) the insect can stick upside down on
vertical surfaces!
Walking on water-
Each mosquito has grooves on its legs that are filled with air. Because of the surface tension of water, no water can get into these grooves, allowing the mosquito to walk on top of the surface!
The thorax also holds the:
● Compound heart
● Nerve cells
● Trachioles
ABDOMEN:
has a pointed tip- characteristic of Anopheles earlei
The abdomen is specialized for:
- Food digestion
Complete digestive, circulatory (open) and excretory systems
-Egg development
The female abdomen expands when takes a blood meal which is then digested and
used as protein for the production of eggs the will
gradually fill the abdomen!
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