Influence of human breath on selection of biting sites by Anopheles albimanus.
The selection of biting sites by Anopheles albimanus on a human host was studied in the laboratory. The perception of exhaled breath guided the mosquitoes towards the head region, and was associated with a preference (P < 0.001) for biting this part of the body. Subsequent removal of breath resulted in a strong reduction of the number of bites on the head (from 49 to 20%). The significance of these findings in relation to host location is discussed.
Knols
B G
BG
Department of Entomology, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.
Takken
W
W
de Jong
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000502:physiology*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012119:Respiration
D002245:Carbon Dioxide