Researchers from the Doñana Biological Station – CSIC, the University of Granada and Bioparc Fuengirola has analysed the presence of avian malaria parasites in three species of mosquitoes.
? The Asian tiger mosquito, an invasive species, does not seem to have a critical function in the transmission of this disease.

A study from CSIC links water accumulation in the urban sewage system and ornamental fountains to a higher number of mosquitoes in cities.
Results allow understand how these infrastructures affect the population of these insects, which are key to the transmission of several diseases.

Mosquito feeding preferences determine host–vector contact rates and represent a key factor in the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. The semiochemical compounds of which vertebrate odours are composed probably play a role in mosquito host choice. Birds spread secretions from uropygial gland over their feathers to protect their plumage, comprising behaviour that may in turn affect odour profiles. Although uropygial secretions are expected to modify the attractiveness of birds to...

The transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is strongly influenced by the contact rates between mosquitoes and susceptible hosts. The biting rates of mosquitoes depend on different factors including the mosquito species and host-related traits (i.e. odour, heat and behaviour). However, host characteristics potentially affecting intraspecific differences in the biting rate of mosquitoes are poorly known. Here, the impact of three host-related traits on the biting rate of two mosquito species...