Mosquitoes show a preference for certain individuals, particularly those with blood type O, which could be linked to specific secretions that attract these insects. Research indicates that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) a person exudes is a primary factor, with those having a higher metabolic rate being more appealing. Secondary cues, such as lactic acid released during physical activity, also contribute to someone's attractiveness to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes utilize their exceptional vision to identify targets based on visual contrasts from the ground, suggesting clothing color can impact their attraction.
These cues let them know they are going to a blood source. Perhaps CO2 is the most important. The more you give off, the more attractive you are to these arthropods.
Mosquitoes look for primary cues in conjunction with what Day calls 'secondary cues.' Lactic acid... is released through the skin, signaling to mosquitoes that we are a target, Day said.
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