anthropophilic

Anthropophilic means having a preference for humans; it is used to describe organisms that preferentially seek out and feed on humans or inhabit human-associated environments. The term derives from Greek anthrōpos meaning “human being” and philos meaning “loving.” It is commonly used in medical entomology, parasitology, and ecology to indicate host preference rather than exclusive ancestry.

In practice, anthropophily refers to host selection behavior. Organisms described as anthropophilic are more likely to bite or feed on humans than on other animals. Host preference can be influenced by host density, availability, and sensory cues such as carbon dioxide, body odor, heat, and moisture. Some species are strongly anthropophilic, while others are opportunistic and will feed on humans when their preferred hosts are scarce.

Examples include certain mosquitoes such as Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti, known for biting humans; human lice (Pediculus humanus) and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), which primarily infest and feed on humans; and various fleas and ticks that occur in human environments. Anthropophilic vectors play a key role in the transmission of diseases such as malaria and dengue due to their preference for human hosts.

In ecology and public health, anthropophily is considered when assessing disease risk and vector control. It is distinct from other host preferences such as zoophily (preferring animals) or ornithophily (preferring birds). Human activity and urbanization can shape anthropophilic tendencies in some species.