odor-modulated anemotaxis

Odor-modulated anemotaxis is a behavior where animals use their sense of smell to navigate towards an odor source, but not by simply moving up a concentration gradient. Instead, they use the odor as a cue to switch on a program that relies on wind direction to guide them. This means the animal moves upwind, ultimately reaching the source of the smell.1

This strategy is employed by various organisms, including male moths seeking females, insects attracted to food odors like nectar, and flies searching for plants to lay eggs. Animals determine wind direction through physical sensations on their bodies, often involving antennae and sensory hairs. Their movement can involve walking directly upwind, short flights, or zigzagging patterns as they orient themselves into the wind to reach their target.1