How do mosquitoes primarily locate their hosts?

Mosquitoes have evolved to be highly effective at locating their hosts, primarily utilizing their acute sense of smell. The primary mechanism by which they detect hosts is through carbon dioxide emissions and body heat. When humans or animals exhale, they release carbon dioxide, which serves as a significant signal to nearby mosquitoes. They can sense this gas from considerable distances, guiding them toward potential hosts.

Additionally, mosquitoes can detect body heat and certain body odors, further refining their capacity to locate a target. This combination of olfactory and thermal cues makes it possible for mosquitoes to zero in on their hosts effectively.

While visual cues, sound vibrations, and moisture levels also play roles in the behaviors of some insects, they are not the primary methods used by mosquitoes to find their hosts. For example, while mosquitoes may respond to movement, especially when it triggers a visual contrast, it is the sense of carbon dioxide that is critical in the initial detection of a host.