archives@tulane.edu / In a laboratory setting, mosquito blood feeding is an essential step in investigating many aspects of mosquito biology. Standard laboratory procedures often place the blood membrane feeder on top or inside the cage. Previous research has suggested that blood feeding position improves mosquito feeding but was limited to vertical and horizontal placements. To enhance the current understanding of mosquito feeding behavior, this study sought to further optimize feeding at multiple angles between 0° and 180°. Aedes aegypti Rockefeller, field-derived New Orleans Aedes aegypti, field-derived New Orleans Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus Orlando were tested to evaluate blood feeding success. A Hemotek feeding membrane system was attached to a custom-designed apparatus and four distinct mosquito colonies were fed separately during 30 minute feeding trials. Once fed, all mosquitoes were placed into emergence chambers and their eggs were collected. Ae. aegypti Rockefeller, field New Orleans Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus Orlando fed better at all angles measured compared to the control, suggesting that this trait has a potential role in mosquito feeding behavior. Lab-adapted mosquitoes laid on average more eggs at vertical and horizontal angles, suggesting physiological constraints. Feeding angle is proven to have an impact on mosquito feeding which may help improve future mosquito feeding assays. / 1 / Chance Erik Liedig