Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!aplcen!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!apple!agate!linus!philabs!ttidca!jackson
From: jackson@ttidca.TTI.COM (Dick Jackson)
Newsgroups: sci.bio
Subject: Re: Attracting Biting Insects
Message-ID: <20233@ttidca.TTI.COM>
Date: 1 Oct 90 15:21:55 GMT
References: <1990Sep28.131933.7173@mlb.semi.harris.com>
Organization: Citicorp/TTI, Santa Monica
Lines: 15

In article <1990Sep28.131933.7173@mlb.semi.harris.com> jws@thumper.mlb.semi.harris.com (James W. Swonger) writes:
> ...
> Are there any entomologists out there who know the mechanisms by which
>the mosquitos and flies select their prey? Do they go for heat, smell,
>motion, some combination? If I can find out the things that attract them
>I might be able to devise a more selective and effective lure.

Ditto for fleas? It has always seemed to me that it should be simple to
outwit the humble flea by simulating a fake but deadly dog (cat, whatever)
and occasionally towing it around the yard. But how to fake the dog?
Warmth, humidity ... what is it that the little buggers zero in on?

Dick Jackson

for rn.