Feeding Habits of Male Southern House Mosquitoes on 32P-labeled and Unlabeled Plants12

Male Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say were able to pick up some type of plant substances from the threeseeded mercury plant, Acalypha spp., and nut grass labeled with 32P. Most of the radioactivity was found in the body of the insect, not on or in the proboscis or legs, indicating ingestion. However, the ingestion of this exudate from these labeled plants was insufficient to sustain the life of the mosquitoes. Of 30 unlabeled plants offered to male mosquitoes, 3 plants, saw palmetto, tetter bush, and Japanese pittosphorum, provided the necessary nutrients for prolonged longevity. Also, honeydew of aphids provided the substances necessary to sustain life for prolonged periods.