[Barbara Harmel]

Barbara Harmel  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why do mosquitoes whine when they're approaching their target?  Or is it that the human ear picks up the whine only within range?

Either way, it seems a highly inefficient system for mozzies!

Thanks

Barbara

What do you think?

[Mazurka]

To add insult to injury?

If I recall correctly, they whine all the time they are flying.  The whine is controlled by the frequency at which the creatures flap their wings.  There has been some research that indicates that this frequency varies and may be a form of communication related to reproduction.