Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Black?
WouterUntil recently, scientists have not fully understood why mosquitoes are attracted to black. There were few studies that examined the influence of color on mosquitoes’ behavior.
But now, new findings show that color plays an important role in mosquito behavior. In addition, the study suggests that certain colors may actually deter specific mosquito species. This could mean that some protective measures could help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The research, published in Nature Communications, is based on an investigation of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. During the experiment, the researchers tracked the mosquitoes’ flight paths and looked for clues to their food search.
The researchers used a 3D tracking system and a wind tunnel to simulate the natural environment. When the mosquitoes flew toward the colored dots, they preferred to land on orange and cyan ones. However, they ignored the rest of the colored dots.
The mosquitoes’ visual senses are activated by the scent of carbon dioxide. The insects can smell CO2 from about 100 feet away. Without CO2, they can’t find fresh blood to prey on. Using the scent clues of the CO2, the researchers sprayed a set of colored dots with CO2, and observed the mosquitoes’ flight trajectories.
The researchers found that the southern house mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is particularly attracted to red-orange colors. In fact, a few other mosquito species showed interest in red and orange.
The researchers found that the mosquitoes rely on three different sensing mechanisms to locate blood. First, they use a heat sensing receptor in their antennae. They also use odours to distinguish nearby objects. Finally, they use a third sensing mechanism that enables them to track a silhouette.
