Thermal infrared directs host-seeking behaviour in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: Mosquito-borne diseases affect hundreds of millions of people annually and disproportionately impact the developing world^1,2. One mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, is a primary vector of viruses that cause dengue, yellow fever and Zika. The attraction of Ae. aegypti female mosquitos to humans requires integrating multiple cues, including CO₂ from breath, organic odours from skin and visual cues, all sensed at mid and long ranges, and other cues sensed at very close range^3-6. Here we identify a cue that Ae. aegypti use as part of their sensory arsenal to find humans. We demonstrate that Ae. aegypti sense the infrared (IR) radiation emanating from their targets and use this information in combination with other cues for highly effective mid-range navigation. D

SUBMITTER: Chandel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11410652 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature