摘要：SummaryWe investigate the genetic basis of anthropophily (human host use) in a non-model mosquito species group, theAnopheles farauticomplex from the southwest Pacific. This complex has experienced multiple transitions from anthropophily to zoophily, contrasting with well-studied systems (the global speciesAedes aegyptiand the AfricanAnopheles gambiaecomplex) that have evolved to be specialist anthropophiles. By performing tests of selection and assessing evolutionary patterns for >200 olfactory genes from nine genomes, we identify several candidate genes associated with differences in anthropophily in this complex. Based on evolutionary patterns (phylogenetic relationships, fixed amino acid differences, and structural differences) as well as results from selection analyses, we identify numerous genes that are likely to play an important role in mosquitoes’ ability to detect humans as hosts. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the evolution of insect olfactory gene families and mosquito host preference as well as having potential applied outcomes.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Genomes ofAnophelesmosquitoes with differing host preferences were sequenced•Evolutionary comparisons were performed on >200 insect chemosensory genes•These comparisons revealed candidate genes involved in human feeding•Two of the main candidates identified were co-receptorIr8aandOr75Zoology; Entomology; Evolutionary biology; Phylogenetics
