If the fact that earlier this week the World Health Organization declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus a global emergency didn't catch your eye, perhaps this close-up video of a feeding skeeter will. And if you find yourself repulsed, let's be honest, you're probably going to watch it anyway—for the sake of science, if not for the rad soundtrack.
Observe as the mosquito first begins to bury its proboscis deep into the skin. The video then cuts to a shot of aforementioned proboscis seeking out a vein, successfully inserting itself, and then beginning to suck, the blood pulsing up into its spindly body.
Initially, when the camera cuts back out, you might wonder: hey, this got boring, why is nothing happening? But watch closely, and you'll see that the mosquito's abdomen is slowly and steadily swelling with blood. Check out the difference one minute can make:
(Photos: Screen shots)
Anyway, wear bug spray and use bed nets, everybody.
Every day we track down a Video Wonder: an audiovisual offering that delights, inspires, and entertains. Have you encountered a video we should feature? Email ella@atlasobscura.com.