Mosquitoes are picky eaters – we studied 3 common South Florida species to learn why they like some people more than others

A new study shows what microbes and odors on human skin appeal to different species of mosquitoes.

By: Kaylee Marrero, Florida International University and Matthew DeGennaro, Florida International University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 4, 2026

Words: 1,461

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Kaylee Marrero, Florida International University and Matthew DeGennaro, Florida International University

If you’ve ever had to prepare a meal for a picky eater, you know it’s not easy. They may not like certain flavors or textures, and there are often foods you have to avoid altogether.

And it turns out, humans aren’t the only species with picky eaters – mosquitoes can also be finicky.

We are biology researchers who study mosquito behavior, and …

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