What's with the ankles?

[bobb]

Why do small, blood feeding insects always go for the ankles? There surely must be better parts of the human body?

My cat and his fleas are the guilty party at the moment (don't worry, I am treating him now) but gnats and the like are just the same. Ankles, ankles, ankles all the way. Why? You could bite my left tit and get a far more juicy suck.

Yours, biologically challenged.

[Cudzoziemiec]

Ankles and wrists have lots of veins just under the skin and are frequently exposed.

[Kim]

And are within jumping range of fleas.

I don't think I actually get bitten on the ankles much more than I do on the head or hands, but the itchiness and consequences of scratching (which I'll often do in my sleep) always seem far worse.

[hellymedic]

They are close to the ground. Fleas can only jump, not fly, so are constrained by proximity to take-off.
Our GP suggested oiling ankles to reduce flea traction...

[bobb]

But even when camping, the local bugs will find a way into your sleeping bag to bite you on the ankle rather than just munching your shoulder

[nikki]

Not helpful, but as good an excuse as any for some Steve:

I wear my socks up to my kneeeeeeees

[Wowbagger]

Not relevant at this time of year but the Blandford fly/blackfly is a very weak flier. Almost always bites it human victim below the knee.

[hellymedic]

But even when camping, the local bugs will find a way into your sleeping bag to bite you on the ankle rather than just munching your shoulder

When I stayed with a friend in Amsterdam, close to a canal, I had multiple gnat bites on my face. Even in the long, hot summer of 76, I covered most of my sleeping form with a sheet.