Studies in Mosquito Attraction and Repulsion. V. Physical Theory

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Abstract
The role of warm wet air currents in guiding Aedes aegypti to a host has been described (Kellogg and Wright, 1962a), and it has been shown that a repellent vapor interferes with this guidance (Kellogg and Wright, 1962b). The purpose of this paper is to apply accepted physical principles to the problems which an insect must solve if it is to derive useful information from warm wet convection currents, and to look for ways that a repellent vapor might interfere with the process. This is justifiable even though the conclusions may not correspond in all respects to the mechanisms actually used by the insect, as long as it shows what is in fact physically possible and suggests fruitful lines of enquiry.