Ancient mosquitoes developed a taste for early hominins, research reveals
Phys.org
February 26, 2026
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Ancient mosquitoes may have developed a preference for feeding on early hominins in response to their arrival in Southeast Asia around 1.8 million years ago, according to new research published in *Scientific Reports*. The study focuses on the Anopheles leucosphyrus group, which includes mosquito species known to transmit malaria. These mosquitoes likely evolved to target humans as early hominins migrated into the region, leading to a dietary shift that favored human blood over other animals.
The findings suggest that environmental changes during this period may have influenced the behavior of these mosquitoes. As early hominins moved into new territories, they became a more reliable food source for certain mosquito species, which in turn adapted their feeding habits to exploit this resource. This evolutionary adaptation could explain why some Anopheles leucosphyrus mosquitoes today exhibit a strong preference for human hosts.
The study highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and biological evolution. The arrival of early hominins likely created new ecological opportunities for mosquitoes, pushing them to develop specialized traits that increased their survival and reproductive success. This adaptation not only shaped the behavior of these insects but also set the stage for their role in transmitting diseases like malaria.
Understanding how mosquito preferences evolved can provide valuable insights into the history of disease transmission and human-mosquito interactions. These findings emphasize the importance of studying ancient ecosystems and the evolutionary processes that continue to shape life on Earth. For readers interested in science, this research offers a fascinating glimpse into the
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/26/2026