Mosquitoes are significant vectors for diseases like malaria, Zika, and dengue fever, which has led to the development of numerous pesticides aimed at controlling their populations. However, these pesticides often have harmful “off-target” effects on beneficial insects, such as pollinators. Understanding mosquito-specific molecular biology is essential for creating new mosquito-specific insecticides that minimize collateral damage.
In this study, researchers from UC Santa Barbara explore the role of thermal infrared sensing in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes’ host-seeking behavior. In addition, they identify specific proteins that are key elements in this process (two opsin proteins in combination with the heat-activated channel protein TRPA1) and localize these proteins to specific neurons at the tip of mosquito antennae. How do we apply this information to develop new, environmentally friendly pesticides that specifically target mosquitoes without harming other insects?
Mosquito Thermal Infrared Sensing
