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Content with tag host defensive behaviour .

Does bird metabolic rate influence mosquito feeding preference?

Host selection by mosquitoes plays a central role in the transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying intraspecific differences in hosts’ attractiveness to mosquitoes are still poorly known. Host metabolism is an important trait that may influence mosquito searching and feeding behaviors. Here, the role of house sparrow Passer domesticus metabolic rate in the feeding preferences of Culex pipiens, a widespread mosquito vector of many pathogens affecting...