The Plant Diet of Mosquitoes: Sugar Feeding on Ornamentals and Wildflowers

Abstract

Mosquito phytophagy is a critical component of mosquito biology, contributing to their survival, flight activity and reproductive output and thus fueling their role as deadly vectors of disease. To alleviate the issues faced by current control methods, such as increased insecticide resistance and environmental damage, novel control strategies have emerged that exploit the mosquito's biological need to feed on sugar. However, an improved understanding of sugar feeding behavior is needed to better optimize these strategies. Here, we determined the prevalence of mosquito sugar feeding on ornamental plants and wildflowers by using DNA barcoding on mosquitoes captured in residential Blacksburg, VA, and identified their preferences for commonly planted flower species. Based on this information, we then confirmed the rate of sugar feeding on the attractive flower goldenrod (Solidago spp.) in the wild and explored its attractive qualities with the intent of developing a novel, ecologically friendly attractant. Similarly, we observed the sugar feeding behavior of invasive species Aedes japonicus on the toxic native flower fly poison and assessed its suitability as a naturally sourced attractant and toxin for use in attractive toxic sugar baits. Finally, we compared the morphology, metabolism and life history traits of mosquito species with unique host preferences. This work expands our knowledge on mosquito phytophagy and contributes to the development of new, highly needed control strategies.