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The role of carbon dioxide in host-finding by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

M. T. Gillies
M. T. Gillies
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
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Abstract

From a critical review of the literature, it is concluded that the role of carbon dioxide in host-seeking by mosquitoes comprises two distinct actions. Firstly, it acts as an ‘attractant’, orientation towards the host being mediated by kinesis and optomotor anemotaxis. When tested in the absence of moving air currents, orientation to the source is not possible and only the kinetic or ‘activating’ effect is manifested. Moreover, in the absence of other host factors, sustained flight takes place only in response to intermittent pulses of carbon dioxide; this response is not elicited in uniformly permeated airstreams. Secondly, carbon dioxide has a combined action with warm moist convection currents at close range and with odour factors at a distance from the host.

Type
Review article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 70 , Issue 4 , December 1980 , pp. 525 - 532
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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