Male mosquito (family Culicidae), light micrograph (LM). The mosquito's head is dominated by its large compound eyes (black spheres). Sprouting from the head are long, plumose (feather-like) antennae, which are sensory organs covered in fine hairs. Males have more elaborate antennae, which allow them to locate females for mating. The long thin proboscis protruding from the head is used for feeding. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood, males feed on plant liquids. Culex mosquitoes inhabit urban or rural areas and usually bite in the evening or at night. They can transmit the diseases encephalitis and filariasis. Magnification: x40 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.