Mosquitoes target us using smell, sight, and taste. We know that they prefer dark colors. But do they prefer singular colors, like red? One peer-reviewed study suggests that the Aedes aegypti mosquito fancies red and orange. And ORANGE you glad such studies exist? You should be, because the more we know about mosquito behavior, the better we can determine our own behaviors that might decrease our chances of becoming a mosquito bite target.
A new study on the Aedes aegypti could hold the key to reducing mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes have taste buds. Who knew? The Aedes aegypti is a nasty blood-sucker. Known as the yellow fever mosquito, this thirsty aerial invader is also responsible for the spread of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Scientists have found that mosquitoes have taste buds, making the female mosquito able to differentiate between salty and sweet. What does human blood taste like? We are sweet and savory to the Aedes aegypti, which makes us much different from nectar. Human blood to mosquitoes, could be likened to a salt-rimmed margarita or a salted caramel cappuccino.
On May 1, the EPA cleared the request to release genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. On June 17, Oxitec, the creator of these mosquitoes, received the state’s approval. This is not science fiction! Genetically modified mosquitoes are a-go in the Florida Keys, a hotbed for the Aedes aegypti mosquito population, ground zero for potential mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the carrier of West Nile Virus, the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the country. Aside from West Nile, this nasty creature is responsible for other illnesses, such as Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue fever. What are genetically modified mosquitoes exactly?