The Structure of Mosquito Body and Wings and Their Wetting

This part introduces the structural features of mosquito bodies and wings, along with their water-repellent properties.

Strategies for Mosquito Survival in Nature

The Surface of the mosquito’s body (Figure 1) is covered with extremely fine microstructures and hydrophobic components such as wax, which makes it highly resistant to water. As a result, the surfaces of mosquito wings and bodies repel water (Figure 2), allowing mosquitoes to remain unwetted even in rain and to avoid sinking in water. Thereby enabling them to lay eggs and emerge successfully at water surfaces (Figure 3).

SEM images of a mosquito’s wing and body surface, showing fine uneven structures.

Figure 1 : Scanning electron microscope images showing the surfaces of a mosquito wing (top) and body (bottom).

Close-up of a surface covered with mosquito wings, showing water droplets remaining spherical to indicate water-repellent properties.

Figure 2 : Water-repellent property of mosquito wings arranged on a glass plate.

Photo of a mosquito floating on the water surface.

Figure 3 : A mosquito standing on the water surface.

Focusing on the Surface of the Mosquito’s Body to Control Mosquito Behavior Using a Surfactant

Control of Mosquito Flight Behavior

Control of Mosquito Flight Behavior

Page Top