Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Certain Colors?
WouterWhether mosquitoes are attracted to certain colors will depend on the species. Some mosquitoes prefer dark colors, which may give them a clearer view of the silhouette of a host. In addition, certain species are more likely to respond to red and orange colors.
A study conducted by University of Washington researchers found that the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is particularly attracted to red and orange. In addition, other mosquito species showed an interest in other colors. The researchers used 3D tracking technology to analyze the mosquitoes’ behavior. The study was published in Nature Communications. The researchers hope the data will help them develop better repellants.
In a study led by Jeffrey Riffell, professor of biology at the University of Washington, biologists studied the visual behavior of common mosquito species. The study was funded by the US Army Research Office, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Institutes of Health, and the US Department of Defense.
The researchers tested the mosquitoes’ preference for colored dots. When mosquitoes were primed with carbon dioxide spritz, they flew toward a colored dot. But, when CO2 was not present, they were indifferent to the color. Among the dots that were displayed, mosquitoes were most attracted to red and orange. They didn’t show much interest in violet, blue, or green.
The researchers found that mosquitoes were most attracted to dark and saturated colors. This is because it helps the mosquito to visualize a silhouette. They were also attracted to long wavelength bands and the color cyan.
