Mosquitoes Fall for the Most Tasty Trap Ever Invented (And They Love It)
Scientists are harnessing the power of nature to combat mosquitoes, developing a remarkably effective trap inspired by a clever tactic employed by parasitic fungi. The innovative approach, rooted in biomimicry – an innovation method that emulates natural organisms and processes – promises a enduring and safe solution to mosquito control.
The breakthrough centers around fungi of the genus Metarhizium, known for their ability to attract insects, including mosquitoes, by releasing floral scents. Researchers observed this natural behavior and conceived of a trap leveraging the same principle. They engineered a new strain of Metarhizium to emit an odor mimicking the flowers mosquitoes feed on, ultimately proving fatal to the insects within days of infection.
The key to this alluring scent is longifolene, a natural terpene (hydrocarbon) commonly found in the pine species Pinus massoniana. The team genetically modified the fungi to increase their production of longifolene, dramatically boosting its effectiveness.Laboratory tests revealed a stunning 90 to 100% mosquito elimination rate thanks to the enhanced fragrance.
“After observing that certain mushrooms could fool mosquitoes by pretending to be flowers, we realized that we could amplify their power of attraction by genetically modifying these mushrooms so that they produce more longifolene, an odorous compound very common in nature,” explained Raymond St. Leger, professor of entomology at the University of maryland and a participant in the study, in a press release. ”Before this study, it was not known that longifolene attracted mosquitoes.We let nature guide us to find effective solutions against mosquitoes.”
Currently, entomologists are conducting outdoor trials to assess the trap’s performance in real-world conditions. Because the fungal spores release longifolene gradually,results are expected in several months. However, the method already boasts several significant advantages. It is inexpensive and wholly safe for humans, as longifolene is a common ingredient in perfumery with a well-established safety profile. Furthermore, the trap is specifically optimized to target mosquitoes, minimizing harm to other beneficial insects.
Perhaps most promisingly, researchers believe the trap is unlikely to face the issue of insect resistance. Unlike conventional chemical methods that frequently enough drive resistance, the team argues that mosquitoes cannot develop immunity to longifolene without jeopardizing their survival. “If mosquitoes become insensitive to longifolene, it will also be true for flowers,” the study authors explain, highlighting the vital role flowers play as a food source for the insects.
(Image Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons – A gray-backed beetle larva infected with fungi of the genus Metarhizium.)
