File:Mosquito Homing.jpg

English: When mosquitoes encounter a CO2 plume they will attempt to follow-it up-wind in the search of odor, humidity and thermal cues indicative of a suitable host animal. If the plume is lost during their approach, mosquitoes will cast (up-wind perpendicular zig-zag flight pattern) to re-engage the CO2 cue. Upon re-engaging the CO2 plume mosquitoes might use visual cues to find their meal. If the visual cues lead to objects not providing additional cues (such as skin volatiles, moisture and heat) they will again cast in the search of the CO2 plume. If the plume is successfully tracked, mosquitoes will sense the presence of skin volatiles and continue tracking these in search of moisture and thermal cues. Once found, mosquitoes will land and probe the animal to attain a blood-meal.