Mouth of mosquito is provided with appendages called mouthparts or trophy. Culex mosquito have piercing & sucking mouthparts. Only female use them during blood meal.
The proboscis consists of a labium that encloses a fascicle of stylets (labrum, mandibles, maxillae, and hypopharynx).
In female Sensory organs (various types of sensilla) are present to help locate hosts for blood feeding. Labrum-epipharynx and labium of male is functionless but actively functionable in females.
| Feature | Male Culex mosquito | Female Culex mosquito |
|---|---|---|
Maxillary palps | Long, three-segmented. Often extend beyond proboscis. | Shorter, three-segmented |
Mandibles | Very short, functionless | Long, sharp, pointed, piercing type |
Maxillae | Very short, functionless | Long, toothed, piercing |
Proboscis | Not for blood feeding | Piercing and sucking blood |
Antennae | Long, plumose (bushy) function: mate detection | Shorter, fewer bristles |
Feeding habit | Nectar, plant juices | Blood and plant juices |
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