Images by Lynne
Male Mosquito
Mosquitoes can only feed on liquids because of the shape of their mouths (Slide 7). The mouth of the mosquito is called
a proboscis (from Greek: pro=in front, boskein=to feed), and is actually like a long, thin straw. Adult mosquitoes, both
male and female, require a constant supply of food to survive. Plants provide the source of food. Plant juices are rich in
carbohydrates (sugar), and mosquitoes regularly feed on flower nectar, fruit juices, and liquids that ooze from injured
plants.
Male Mosquito
Mosquitoes can only feed on liquids because of the shape of their mouths (Slide 7). The mouth of the mosquito is called
a proboscis (from Greek: pro=in front, boskein=to feed), and is actually like a long, thin straw. Adult mosquitoes, both
male and female, require a constant supply of food to survive. Plants provide the source of food. Plant juices are rich in
carbohydrates (sugar), and mosquitoes regularly feed on flower nectar, fruit juices, and liquids that ooze from injured
plants.