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Mosquito Proboscis - Negative
All mosquitoes, however, are not to blame for the itching and irritation so closely associated with their annoying feeding habits. Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the proteins found in blood in order to lay their eggs. The mouthparts of male mosquitoes are unsuitable for piercing skin so they only feed upon plant juices. The bump from a mosquito bite is caused by the saliva a female mosquito injects into her victim to help the blood flow more easily into her abdomen. Most humans are allergic to the saliva, which then produces itching and swelling.






