The Auditory System of Blood-Sucking Mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae)

This review describes the morphology of the mosquito auditory organs – antennae and Johnston’s organs. The spatial and frequency characteristics of auditory receptors in the Johnston’s organs are considered. The principles of the functioning of mechanotransduction mechanisms in receptors are discussed. The review presents results from studyies of the specific characteristics of the perception of acoustic signals by mosquitos on exposure of their auditory system to vibrations from flapping wings. The role of acoustic communication in the reproductive behavior of mosquitoes is analyzed.