Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Science

The mosquito's transition from vegan to bloodsucker explained

Scents govern most key events in the lives of mosquitoes, and there is extensive research on their sense of smell. A new study reveals how a young female mosquito shifts from focusing entirely on nectar to seeking only blood. An odor receptor that reacts to camphor was found to play a key role.

The mosquito's transition from vegan to bloodsucker explained
Image: Phys.org
Scents govern most key events in the lives of mosquitoes, and there is extensive research on their sense of smell. A new study reveals how a young female mosquito shifts from focusing entirely on nectar to seeking only blood. An odor receptor that reacts to camphor was found to play a key role.

Originally published at Phys.org

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