The abdomen of an anopheles (Anopheles gambiae) mosquito swells and turns bright red as the mosquito feeds on her human host. Mosquitos will feed till they nearly burst and will often have to excrete a drop or two of blood in the process. The anopheles can be distinguished by its long palps that are nearly as long as its proboscis. Palps, which are sensory in function, are the long mouthpart extensions located on either side of the proboscis.This mosquito is the number one vector for malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.