Close-up of an unidentified species of mosquito feeding on human skin. The mosquito's long proboscis (thin, reddish-brown structure) is visible penetr

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Close-up of an unidentified species of mosquito feeding on human skin. The mosquito's long proboscis (thin, reddish-brown structure) is visible penetrating the skin at left. The elbow- shaped mouthpart which is seen gripping the proboscis at skin level is the stylet sheath, a modified labium. This sheath normally covers the proboscis, but bends backwards as the mosquito bites, allowing the proboscis to slide through its tip and enter the host's skin. The mosquito's abdomen is already engorged with blood, giving it a swollen, reddish appearance.

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Size: 3889px × 2480px
Photo credit: © DR. PETE BILLINGSLEY, UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN/SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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