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How Mosquitoes Sense Infrared

Published in Mosquito Sensing 2 mins read

Yes, mosquitoes can sense infrared (IR) radiation, primarily as heat signals, though they don't "see" it with their compound eyes in the way humans see visible light.

Mosquitoes are highly attuned to finding sources of blood, and detecting the body heat emitted by mammals and birds is a crucial part of their host-seeking strategy. This body heat is infrared radiation.

Mosquitoes utilize specialized sensory organs, not their eyes, to detect the infrared radiation emitted by potential hosts. Key points about their IR sensing include:

  • Thermoreception: They possess thermoreceptors, cells that are sensitive to temperature changes.
  • Antennae: Research indicates their antennae play a significant role in detecting IR. As highlighted by recent findings, researchers examined mosquito antennae to better understand how Ae. aegypti senses IR.
  • Distance Sensing: Studies have shown mosquitoes can sense IR from a considerable distance. Specifically, mosquitoes could sense IR while in flight at a distance of more than two and a half feet away, as found by one research team.
  • Combined Senses: IR detection works in tandem with other sensory cues, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from breath and body odor, to locate hosts effectively.

This ability to sense heat helps them locate warm-blooded creatures, even in the dark, making them incredibly efficient at finding food sources.

In summary, while they don't visually perceive IR like we see colors, mosquitoes absolutely sense and react to the infrared radiation emitted as body heat, using sensory organs like their antennae to find you.