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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Why do mosquitoes announce their presence?
« on: 10/06/2009 15:30:02 »
Shane asked the Naked Scientists:
Hi Chris
Let me start by saying that you are one of my heroes, intellectually speaking. I have listened to several of your podcasts but I came across you listening to Redi Direko's show in South Africa.
I am not sure if you personally read your emails so I won't go on - I have several more profound questions which perhaps I will ask some other time but for now something fun:
Question: Why do parasites (specifically mosquitoes) announce their presence? That high pitched whining sound and the irritant reaction to their bites is normally enough to wake me up in the middle of the night and try to hunt them down. Surely it would be better if we slept sleeping and they could sip on our blood all night?
thanks a lot
Shane
What do you think?
Hi Chris
Let me start by saying that you are one of my heroes, intellectually speaking. I have listened to several of your podcasts but I came across you listening to Redi Direko's show in South Africa.
I am not sure if you personally read your emails so I won't go on - I have several more profound questions which perhaps I will ask some other time but for now something fun:
Question: Why do parasites (specifically mosquitoes) announce their presence? That high pitched whining sound and the irritant reaction to their bites is normally enough to wake me up in the middle of the night and try to hunt them down. Surely it would be better if we slept sleeping and they could sip on our blood all night?
thanks a lot
Shane
What do you think?