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Effects of magnetic fields on mosquitoes
D Strickman1, B Timberlake, J Estrada-Franco
1Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|July 20, 2000
Summary
Mosquitoes do not possess a biological compass. However, their feeding behavior is affected by magnetic fields, with fewer blood meals taken in rotating magnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Biophysics
- Insect behavior
Background:
- Many organisms, including insects, can detect and respond to Earth's magnetic field.
- This magnetic sense is often mediated by biological compass mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether mosquitoes possess ferromagnetic material for a biological compass.
- To determine mosquito behavioral responses to magnetic fields.
Main Methods:
- Superconducting quantum interferometry device (SQUID) used to detect ferromagnetic material.
- Mosquitoes exposed to uniform and rotating magnetic fields to observe behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- SQUID analysis indicated ferromagnetic material was likely external dust, not intrinsic.
- Mosquitoes oriented themselves parallel to a uniform magnetic field.
- Two of three tested mosquito species consumed fewer blood meals in a rotating magnetic field.
Conclusions:
- Mosquitoes lack an intrinsic biological compass based on ferromagnetic material.
- Magnetic fields can influence mosquito behavior, specifically feeding patterns.