Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Black?
WouterWhether you are looking for an effective mosquito repellent or just trying to keep the bugs away, you may have wondered: are mosquitoes attracted to black? This question has long stumped entomologists. But new research suggests that color is important in mosquito behavior.
The study involved Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. These insects have compound eyes, which allow them to see in a hazy way. They rely on other factors to locate their food sources and navigate their flight. They use special temperature sensors to detect warm-blooded prey. They also use IR21a receptors in their antenna to follow visual cues to find blood.
The study revealed that red and orange were the most attractive colors for these mosquitoes. But they were also attracted to other dark and bright tones. It is possible that other species have a different color preference.
Scientists used a wind tunnel to simulate the olfactory environment of these insects. They tracked the behavior of the female Aedes aegypti through visual and scent clues. The study was published in Nature Communications in 2022. It was one of the first comprehensive studies of color preferences in mosquitoes.
Another study, conducted at the University of Washington, showed that the southern house mosquito was attracted to red-orange colors. But the researchers noted that other mosquito species may have different color preferences.
Another study found that yellow fever mosquitoes were attracted to orange. However, other mosquito species were not attracted to orange.
