What feature is specifically noted in female mosquitoes that distinguishes them from males?

Female mosquitoes are specifically distinguished by their unique blood-sucking proboscis, which is the elongated mouthpart they use to feed on the blood of hosts. This adaptation is essential for their reproductive process, as female mosquitoes require the nutrients found in blood to develop and nourish their eggs.

In contrast, male mosquitoes primarily feed on nectar and do not possess this specialized feeding apparatus since they do not require blood for reproduction. While other features such as coloration, size of wings, and wing vein patterns might show some differences between the sexes, the most definitive characteristic that sets female mosquitoes apart is their distinct proboscis designed for blood feeding. This function highlights their role in the life cycle and ecological interaction with other organisms.