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It has been widely repeated that male mosquitoes don't feed on blood. It has also been reported that there are five main attractants for mosquitoes. The mechanism for attraction, and the reasoning for how female mosquitoes differ from male mosquitoes in their responses to attractants has not been identified. It has further been observed that mosquitoes might reach adult body mass before emerging as adults. This would imply that the majority of their nutritional needs are met before adulthood. It has further been observed that a single wiggler grew in a bucket of water and died before reaching adulthood. It is the intent of this research to identify the differences between male and female mosquitoes, the chemistry and physics of the mechanisms for attracting mosquitoes, means of satisfying nutritional requirements for mosquitoes at various stages of development, and environmental influences on birthrate, mortality, and morbidity of mosquitoes. The following items require funding: Salaries for researchers photographic equipment laboratory space rental and other overhead manufacture of containment devices manufacture of devices for the reproducible environmental factors associated with attractants chemical analysis
Methods We will collect various species of local mosquito to use for developing disease-free colonies. These colonies will be used to grow the mosquitoes used in the research. Containers which will allow for measurement of degree of attraction to the various attractants will be manufactured. These will be roughly 20' x 2' x 2' and made primarily of synthetic netting. Research on various environmental conditions and their effects on longevity will be conducted. Particular attention will be paid to humidity, sunlight, plant life, fungal availability, and simple natural environmental modifications and their influence on morbidity and mortality rates. Research on sources of nutrition for mosquitoes will be conducted. Particular attention will be paid to fungal consumption, plant consumption, and blood consumption of both male and female mosquitoes. Research on attractants will include quantitative and comparative analysis of the influence of attractants with some study of possible attractants not included in available literature. In all cases, photographic data will be collected and published freely in a format that will facilitate access and understanding. This photographic equipment will consist mainly of a microscope with a digital camera which replaces the eyepiece lens. Interested parties can email the editor for the current price list and status of the fund raising, or simply make a donation. |