How Mosquitoes Find Humans
WouterUsing their highly evolved olfactory system, mosquitoes are capable of hunting down humans. They have a specialized receptor that can detect human odor and other animals, and hone in on a particular scent. They can also track a host through visual and thermal cues.
These super-sensitive insects can track humans up to 150 feet away. They can also sense carbon dioxide produced by humans. When these molecules are in high concentrations, they can identify a person as a host.
Scientists have also found that a person’s odor can act as a homing beacon for mosquitoes. They can then locate the next human victim.
Researchers have identified a unique pathway activated by the female Aedes aegyti when they smell humans. It’s called the “human glomerulus.” This pathway reacts to volatile components of human sebum.
It’s possible that other mosquito species have a similar pathway in their brains that can detect human odor. That could help researchers develop a vaccine to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
The olfactory system is a complex network of neurons that bind to chemicals in the environment. The neurons send signals to the brain, which responds with an electrical signal. Some of these neurons contain multiple receptors. The receptors can bind to dozens of different chemicals. This makes them redundant, but it does not affect the mosquito’s ability to detect human odors.
There are a few mosquito species that specialize in biting humans. Some are easier targets than others.
