Some mosquito species are changing their eating habits and preferring human blood. According to the scientific journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, which cites a study by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, this change is related to human intervention and the reduction of biodiversity in natural areas.
Study in natural reserves
Researchers installed light traps in two reserves in the Atlantic Forest and captured 52 species of mosquitoes. Of the more than 1,700 females collected, 24 contained DNA that allowed the food source to be identified. The results showed that they had fed on 18 different humans.
The second most frequent source was birds, followed by amphibians, rodents and canids, in much lower numbers.
Jerónimo Alencar, a biologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, stated that the species captured show a clear preference for humans.
According to the same source, the greater presence of people in deforested areas is probably the main cause. With fewer natural options, mosquitoes turn to humans for convenience, making us the most common hosts.
Implications for public health
Changing the eating habits of these insects can have serious consequences. Mosquitoes are vectors of several diseases, so the greater frequency of bites in humans increases the risk of transmission.
Understanding these patterns is key to defining more effective prevention strategies, researchers say.
Limitations and next steps
The study highlights that light traps mainly capture hungry mosquitoes, while those that have recently fed tend to rest, becoming more difficult to catch.
Sergio Machado, a microbiologist at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, adds that it will be necessary to use more varied methods to understand more accurately how often humans are bitten.
Impact of human activity
Research suggests that reduced biodiversity and human expansion into natural areas are altering mosquito ecology.
According to , these changes can increase the risk of disease transmission, reflecting the way in which human presence modifies the natural balance.
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