About This Project

We hypothesize that female mosquitoes optimize their proboscis strength and flexibility for nectarivory differently than male mosquitoes. To test this, we will use energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to determine the elemental composition of the mouthparts in male and female mosquitoes of three different species known to transmit zoonotic diseases. Through elemental analysis, we may better understand how these vectors use their proboscis for efficient penetration.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Mosquitoes are some of the most harmful disease vectors on the planet, known to transmit viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and animal parasites. Only the female mosquitoes are vampires, taking a blood meal. Male mosquitoes consume only nectar, while females consume nectar before blood meals. We hypothesize that the female proboscis has adapted in a significant way to consume blood. Does the female mosquito reinforce the exoskeleton with metals to enhance penetration? Do different species of mosquito have different elemental signatures?

What is the significance of this project?

Many arthropods such as insects, spiders and scorpions are well known to reinforce their exoskeletons with metals (e.g., zinc, calcium). These metals are proposed to add strength and rigidity to appendages that are used to immobilize and pierce prey, e.g., spiders do this with their fangs! Mosquitoes have a piercing proboscis, but surprisingly, its elemental composition has never been explored. We hypothesize that female mosquitoes balance their need for strength for penetration and flexibility for nectarivory different from male mosquitoes. We chose to analyze 3 disease-transmitting species: Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Malaria), Aedes aegypti (Zika virus), and Culex quinquefasciatus (West Nile virus, lymphatic filariasis).

What are the goals of the project?

We hypothesize that female mosquitoes balance their need for strength for penetration and flexibility for nectarivory different from male mosquitoes. We will test this by using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to characterize the probosicis of male and female mosquitoes of Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. This method allows us to test for elemental composition of mosquito mouthparts. We will compare the results using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy between males and female mosquitoes for the three species.