Mosquitoes flap wings to fly and flirt: Says Study

Washington: Mosquitoes flap their wings not only to stay aloft but also to generate buzz that attracts potential mates, according to a study that may help in building quieter drones, and for devising nontoxic methods to exterminate the insects. Researchers at Johns Hopkins, ncluding Indian origin Mechanical Engineer Rajat Mittal, studied the aerodynamics and acoustics of mosquito mating ritual through computer modeling.

The study, published in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, noted that the male mosquito flaps its long, slender wings at high frequencies while also rotating them rapidly at the end of each stroke in order to connect with the low-frequency hum of a female.

The researchers said that the quick rotation of the wings “generate additional lift force” to keep them aloft.