Why Do Mosquitoes Bite? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why mosquitoes bite. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to help make eggs.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

232 words

Reading Passage

A mosquito is a small flying insect. Some mosquitoes bite people and animals. The bite can leave a small red bump on the skin.

Not all mosquitoes bite. Usually, the female mosquito bites. She needs blood to help make eggs. Male mosquitoes usually drink nectar from flowers.

Mosquitoes can find people in several ways. They can sense the air we breathe out. They can also notice body heat and smells from skin. This helps them fly toward a person or animal.

When a mosquito bites, it uses a thin mouthpart to reach blood under the skin. It also puts a little saliva into the skin. The saliva helps blood flow more easily.

The body notices the saliva and reacts to it. This reaction can make the skin swell, turn red, and itch. Scratching can make the skin feel worse, so it is better to avoid scratching.

Mosquito bites can be annoying. In some places, mosquitoes can also spread disease. People can protect themselves with screens, long sleeves, and safe insect repellent.

Mosquitoes bite because female mosquitoes need blood for eggs. The itchy bump comes from the body's reaction to mosquito saliva.

Mosquitoes find people by breath, smell, and body heat.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
mosquito	a small flying insect that can bite people and animals	A mosquito flew near my arm.
bite	to cut or press the skin with the mouth	A mosquito can bite the skin.
blood	the red liquid inside the body	Female mosquitoes use blood to make eggs.
female	an animal or person that can produce eggs or babies	A female mosquito may bite.
itch	to feel like you want to scratch your skin	The bite began to itch.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Which mosquitoes usually bite?
2. Why does a female mosquito need blood?
3. Name one way mosquitoes find people.
4. What does mosquito saliva help do?
5. Why can a mosquito bite itch?

Answers

1. Female mosquitoes usually bite.
2. They need blood to help make eggs.
3. They can sense breath, body heat, or skin smells.
4. It helps blood flow more easily.
5. The body reacts to mosquito saliva.

Short Summary

Female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to help make eggs. Mosquito bites itch because the body reacts to mosquito saliva.

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