The Uptake and Effect of Radiophosphorus in Mosquitoes

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Abstract
Mosquitoes were made radioactive with radiophosphorus in both the adult and larval stages, the latter being best suited for large scale studies of flight range and migration. The optimum concn. of P32 in the rearing medium for this purpose is about 0.1 [mu]c. of P32 per larva per ml. of medium. The adults will then have enough p32 to mark them for the duration of their lives. The main route of entry for P32 is the digestive tract, although some enters through the anal gills. It is distr. throughout the organism, with especially heavy concns. in the Malpighian tubes, ovaries, and muscles. Radiation effects are progressive, very young larvae being stopped in their growth by 0.1 [mu]c/ml. p32; while older larvae tolerate up to 5 [mu]c/ml. without serious damage. Females lay eggs after exposure to concns. up to 1.0 [mu]c./ml., and eggs will then be somewhat radioactive. Adult mosquitoes can be marked by feeding them on radioactive sugar solns., blood, etc. The tagging of insects by these means offers a tool to study flight range, migrations, predation, feeding habits, and other aspects of insect life.

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