Anopheles Mosquito (IMAGE)
Caption
Body bent towards the skin surface, this image depicts a lateral view of a feeding female Anopheles atroparvus mosquito. This specimen had landed on a human hand, and was in the process of obtaining its blood meal through its sharp, needle-like labrum, which it had inserted into its human host. Note the reddish color of the labrum, as it was filled with blood, and the bent, retracted labium, which ensheaths the sharp labrum when it's not in use. Also note the red-colored abdomen that had become enlarged due to its blood meal contents. A member of the A. maculipennis species complex, A. atroparvus is a known vector for the parasitic disease malaria.
Credit
James Gathany
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