Is it true that male and female mosquitoes can be distinguished by their antennae and mouthparts?

Male and female mosquitoes can indeed be distinguished by their antennae and mouthparts, making the statement true. Male mosquitoes typically possess bushier, feather-like antennae, which are highly developed to detect the sound frequencies produced by female mosquitoes. In contrast, female mosquitoes have more simplified antennae.

When it comes to mouthparts, females have elongated stylets designed for piercing the skin of their hosts and feeding on blood, necessary for egg development. Males, on the other hand, primarily feed on nectar and do not require blood, resulting in less specialized mouthparts. This physical distinction in both the antennae and mouthparts is a reliable method for differentiating between the sexes of mosquitoes.

This understanding highlights important aspects of mosquito biology, which is crucial for effective pest management strategies and understanding their behavior in the ecosystem.