hostodor

Hostodor is a term used in chemical ecology to describe the subset of volatile compounds emitted by a host that influence the behavior of other organisms, such as parasites, vectors, or symbionts. It is a neologism derived from host and odor and is employed to discuss common features of host-emitted signals across diverse taxa. The concept is often used in theoretical or pedagogical contexts rather than as a standardized category in the field.

Biological basis and sources: Hosts produce complex blends of volatile organic compounds from the skin, breath, urine, feces, and microbiome activity. The identity and relative abundance of these compounds change with physiology, health, diet, and environment, leading to dynamic odor profiles. These profiles can act as cues that other organisms detect and respond to, influencing attraction, repulsion, or more nuanced behavioral decisions.

Functional role: Many parasites and vectors rely on odor cues to locate hosts. Odor blends can attract or deter, and in some cases modulate sensory or neural processing to alter host-seeking efficiency. The hostodor concept provides a framework for discussing how different odor signals, produced by different hosts, can produce convergent ecological outcomes such as increased transmission or avoidance.

Critical view and usage: In formal research, scientists typically refer to specific volatile compounds or validated odor blends rather than the umbrella term hostodor. The term is more common in theoretical discussions or introductory overviews, where it serves to unify discussions of host-emitted signals without committing to particular chemical identities.

See also: host–parasite interactions, olfactory cues, volatile organic compounds, chemical ecology.