Mosquitoes buzz by flapping their wings up to 600 times per second.

The signature buzzing sound of a mosquito is a byproduct of its incredibly high wing-beat frequency, which typically ranges from 300 to 600 hertz. This mechanical sound is produced as the wings displace air molecules at a rate that falls within the audible range of human hearing. Unlike many other insects, mosquitoes possess a specialized flight motor that allows for these rapid oscillations.Research published in journals like Science and Current Biology reveals that this buzzing serves a critical reproductive purpose. Male and female mosquitoes use their Johnston's organs, located at the base of their antennae, to detect the frequency of a nearby flight tone. When a male and female meet in mid-air, they actually adjust their wing-beat frequencies to match each other in a process called harmonic convergence.In species such as Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, the male will shift his frequency to synchronize with the female's flight tone. This acoustic interaction happens within seconds and is a prerequisite for successful mating. Interestingly, smaller mosquitoes generally have higher-pitched buzzes because their smaller wing surface area requires faster flapping to maintain lift.Studies conducted at Cornell University have shown that mosquitoes can detect these subtle changes in pitch from several centimeters away. This auditory sensitivity is highly specialized, as the male's antennae are specifically tuned to the frequency of a vibrating female wing. Without this high-speed flapping and the resulting buzz, mosquitoes would struggle to locate mates in the dark or in dense vegetation.