Abstract
Head morphology in fourth-instar larvae of Culicidae was studied and related to suspension feeding. A system was defined on morphological premises and compared with results from functional studies on naturally feeding larvae by video and high speed cine film. The system had to be redefined in functional terms with two subsystems—flow creating (I) and particle retention (II). A model of the mechanics for suspension feeding in culicids was described by evaluating precisely such spatial and temporal aspects as stroke pattern and stroke phases against flow pattern around the head capsule and particle capture modes. Interactions between the mosquito system and microconditions around the head capsule in terms of Reynolds numbers (Re) below 10 are discussed in relation to existing particle capture hypotheses for suspension feeding. It is postulated that subsystem I (main muscles, lateral palatal brushes [LPB], and mouthparts) mainly initiates, directs, and concentrates particle flow, whereas subsystem II (pharynx) is the main retention site for particles. The system was compared with descriptions of mouthparts for Simuliidae—similarities in morphology but profound differences in function were found.
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