Male mosquitoes can pick out females by sound, study finds

A female anopheles mosquito. While males do not bite, Gupta suggested the study could be used to improve male traps to help control the spread of malaria. Photograph: James Gathany/AP

While dulcet tones might sway humans looking for a partner, it seems they are also important for male mosquitoes: researchers have found the insects chase others only when they hear the buzz of a female.

Male mosquitoes form swarms involving thousands of individuals to attract potential partners, but must avoid bumping into each other while pursuing the females that turn up.