ID#: 18763
Caption:
Body bent so far forward towards the skin surface, makes this feeding female Anopheles merus mosquito appeared to almost topple over. Viewed from the lateral perspective, the specimen had landed on a human hand, and was in the process of obtaining its blood meal through its sharp, needle-like labrum, which it had inserted into its human host. Note the reddish color of the labrum, as it was filled with blood. Also note the red-colored abdomen that had become enlarged due to its blood meal contents. A member of the A. gambiae species complex, A. merus is a known vector for the parasitic disease malaria.
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Content Provider(s): CDC/ James Gathany
Creation Date: 2014
Photo Credit: James Gathany
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Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions.