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According to the dichotomous key below, what are the distinguishing characteristics of a female mosquito of the genus Culex?

Dichotomous Key to Identify a Female Mosquito:

Answer :

Final answer:

Female mosquitoes of the genus Culex are characterized by their blood-feeding behavior, ability to lay numerous eggs, and attraction to hosts through chemical cues. They use their proboscis to pierce the skin of hosts for blood meals, which are essential for egg maturation. These features are crucial for their reproductive success and ecological role.


Explanation:

Distinguishing Characteristics of Female Mosquitoes of the Genus Culex

The female mosquitoes of the genus Culex can be identified by several distinguishing characteristics:

  • Blood Feeding Behavior: Unlike male mosquitoes, which primarily feed on nectar, female mosquitoes are blood feeders. They utilize their specialized mouthpart, the proboscis, to pierce the skin of their hosts and draw blood for nourishment.
  • Egg Laying: Once a female mosquito feeds on blood, it triggers the maturation of eggs. Female Culex can lay several hundred eggs at a time in moist conditions, which can survive dry periods for up to 8 months until water returns.
  • Detection Methods: Females are attracted to potential hosts through olfactory cues, including carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled breath and the scent of lactic acid among other substances.

Overall, these characteristics highlight the important ecological role of female Culex mosquitoes as vectors of disease and their reproductive strategies that enable them to thrive in various environments.


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