Effect of Temperature on Mosquito Olfaction

Abstract

Synopsis Mos quitoes use a wide range of cues to find a host to fe ed on, eventuatty leading to the transmission of pathogens. Among them, olfac tory c ues (e . g., host-emitted odors, inct uding CO2 , and skin volatiles) play a centrat role in mediating host-seeking behaviors. While mosquito olfaction can be imp acted by many factors, such as the physiot ogt cat st ate of the insect (e.g., age, reproductive st ate), the impact of environmental temperature on the olfactory system remains unknown. In this study, we quantified the behavioral responses of Aedes aegyptt mosquitoes, vectors of dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, among other pathogens, to host and plant-related odors under different environmental temperatures.