Are there any other insects that use blood in a similar way, such as those sand flies that bite your feet and ankles, or only mosquitos?
2006-11-26 15:18:41 · 8 answers · asked by Bart S 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Mosquitoes belong to a group of insects that requires blood to develop fertile eggs. Males do not lay eggs, thus, male mosquitoes do not bite. The females are the egg producers and "host-seek" for a blood meal. Female mosquitoes lay multiple batches of eggs and require a blood meal for every batch they lay. Few people realize that mosquitoes rely on sugar as their main source of energy. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, fruit juices, and liquids that ooze from plants. The sugar is burned as fuel for flight and is replenished on a daily basis. Blood is reserved for egg production and is imbibed less frequently.
2006-11-26 15:22:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Adult mosquitoes drink nectar from flowers for food, but as that liquid contain sugar that gives energy, it lacks protein that is needed to build tissues. For that, the female mosquito needs a supply of protein, amino acids, so that it can produce eggs, and it is taking that by preying on living animals, taking in protein rich blood.
So, each time you are bitten, you are actually unwillingly helping the pest to prepare the next generation of annoying mosquitoes.
2006-11-26 23:24:22 · answer #2 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Food. A number of other insects (such as fleas and ticks) also eat blood.
2006-11-26 23:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Food
2006-11-26 23:19:59 · answer #4 · answered by jusbizness403 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dinner! I think I read somewhere they need protein in order to reproduce. Spiders also eat blood and tho they aren't really classed as insects, I am sure it is a similar process.
2006-11-26 23:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by busybody12 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think for food
2006-11-26 23:23:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Food? i think yes leeches!! =]
2006-11-26 23:20:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, they use it just like we use our food:)
2006-11-26 23:20:25 · answer #8 · answered by barrelracer12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋