Mosquitoes are one of the smallest, but also the most unpleasant neighbors of man. They have existed on the planet for over 100 million years and during this time have adapted to a wide variety of conditions. Some of their features are truly amazing. Why mosquitoes don’t get wet and interesting facts – let’s find out together.
Why don’t mosquitoes get wet in the rain?
It seems that heavy rain should be a real disaster for a mosquito. After all, a drop of water is ten times heavier than it. However, these insects are perfectly adapted to downpours.
- The mosquito’s small body weight. Is so light that a drop of water simply cannot crush it. It does not resist the impact, but simply “floats” with the drop.
- Flexible body. Studies have shown that when a mosquito encounters a drop. It seems to take the impact and simply glides along with the water without suffering serious damage.
- Hydrophobic coating. Its body is covered with microscopic hairs that repel water, preventing droplets from sticking. It is something like the “lotus” effect – water simply rolls off without wetting the surface. So, even in heavy rain, the mosquito remains whole and unharmed.
What blood type do mosquitoes “like” the most?
Mosquitoes are not just random bloodsuckers. They choose their victims based on certain chemical signals.
- Blood type O – the tastiest?
Studies have shown that people with the first (O) blood type are bitten more often than those with other types. The reason lies in the composition of their skin secretions: people. With type O secrete more chemicals that attract insects. - CO₂ as a mosquito beacon.
Mosquitoes are very good at sensing the carbon dioxide we exhale. The more of it a person exhales (for example, after physical activity), the more attractive they become. - Sweat and skin odor.
Lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia released with sweat also serve as signals to insects. That’s why mosquito bites seem inevitable after exercise or in hot weather.
Why are children more likely to become victims?
Many people have noticed that children suffer from bites more often than adults. There are several reasons for this:
- Higher body temperature:
A child’s body has a more active metabolism, which means warmer skin. And mosquitoes, as you know, are drawn to sources of heat. - More carbon dioxide relative to body weight
Although children exhale less CO₂, their mass-to-volume ratio of the gas is higher than that of adults. This makes them more “visible” to insects. - Thinner skin
Children’s skin is thinner and softer, so it’s easier to pierce with a proboscis needle. Mosquitoes like that. - Less protective scents
Adults are more likely to use perfumes, lotions, or repellents to ward off insects. Children do not have such natural or artificial protection.
Mosquitoes are true masters of survival, and even their seemingly random choice of victims has a scientific explanation. So if they consistently pursue one person more than another, it’s not just bad luck, it’s completely understandable.
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