Development of lactic acid-receptor sensitivity and host-seeking behaviour in newly emerged female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

The temporal patterns for the development of sensitivity in the lactic acid-excited neurones of the antennal grooved-peg sensilla and for the initiation of host-seeking behaviour by newly emerged virgin female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were determined and compared. A 1:1 correlation between the presence of a high sensitivity to the host attractant, lactic acid, in the lactic acid-excited neurones and the presence of host-seeking behaviour was observed. This finding supports the notion that changes in the activity of the peripheral sensory system are sufficient, although perhaps not the only means, to control host-seeking behaviour of female mosquitoes.