Experimental analysis of the blood-sucking mechanism of female mosquitoes

Abstract

Pioneering studies have been conducted to reveal the functional characteristics of the two-pump system of the female mosquito. Mosquitoes are equipped with two pumping organs located in the head: The cibarial (CP) and the pharyngeal (PP) pumps. To analyze the functional relationship of these pumps during the blood-sucking process, micro-particle image velocimetry (PIV) and synchrotron X-ray micro-imaging were employed. The two pumps were found to be well coordinated with a phase shift (α) and time shift (β) but to have distinct functions in the liquid-sucking process. The first pump (CP) starts to expand first, and then the second pump (PP) expands in advance with a time shift (β) before the first pump (CP) begins to contract, playing a key role in improving pumping performance. The systaltic motion of the two pumps works systematically in a well-coordinated manner. In addition, the pumping performance of blood-sucking female mosquitoes is demonstrated to be superior to that of nectar-eating male mosquitoes. Intake flow rate is maximized by reducing the relaxation time of the CP and increasing the pumping frequency. © 2011. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.