Page 64 - The Miracle in the Mosquito

THE MIRACLE IN THE MOSQUITO

sucking tube

One of the knives numbs the tissue
with a salivary fluid it pours into the
wound. This is a kind of local anaesthet-
ic. In this way the mosquito cuts into the
skin and you don’t feel a thing as it sucks
your blood. As this fluid also prevents
the blood from clotting, the mosquito is
able to carry on sucking the blood. It is
again this fluid that later causes irritation
and swelling.

The thorax
This section joined to the head of the mosquito is where the
mosquito’s six legs are appended to, as well as a pair of wings.
These wings are covered in scales and have veins passing through
them.
Some varieties of insect have two pairs of wings. However, in
place of a second set of wings the mosquito has stubby knobs
which vibrate during flight to help provide stability and balance.

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