– Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes use infrared sensing in their antennae to detect and track down human hosts. Only female mosquitoes drink blood.
– The researchers tested Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and found that no single cue (CO2, odor, or infrared) alone stimulated host-seeking behavior. But interest significantly increased when infrared was added to CO2 and human odor cues.
– The mosquitoes have a temperature-sensitive protein called TRPA1 in their antennae that allows them to detect infrared radiation. Removing this gene meant they could no longer detect infrared.
– Human skin emits infrared radiation like a beacon to mosquitoes. Loose clothing lets less infrared through, making exposed skin more attractive.
– The findings help explain why mosquitoes target exposed skin and how loose clothing can provide invisibility. It may also lead to developing infrared-based mosquito traps.
– Despite their small size, mosquitoes cause more human deaths than any other animal, mostly through transmitting diseases like malaria. Understanding their infrared detection improves disease control efforts.
Source: Science Alert
