Multiple blood feeding bouts in mosquitoes allow for prolonged survival and are predicted to increase viral transmission during dry periods.

ABSTRACT: Dry conditions increase blood feeding in mosquitoes, but it is unknown if dehydration-induced bloodmeals are increased beyond what is necessary for reproduction. In this study, we investigated the role of dehydration in secondary blood feeding behaviors of mosquitoes. Following an initial bloodmeal, prolonged exposure to dry conditions increased secondary blood feeding in mosquitoes by nearly two-fold, and chronic blood feeding allowed mosquitoes to survive up to 20 days without access to water. Exposure to desiccating conditions following a bloodmeal resulted in increased activity, decreased sleep levels, and prompted a return of CO₂ sensing before egg deposition. Increased blood feeding and higher survival during dry periods are predicted to increase pathogen transmission, all

SUBMITTER: Holmes CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11810705 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature