Volcanic Rock Yields a New Kind of Insecticide for Mosquitoes
A derivative of volcanic rock called perlite shows effectiveness as a mechanical insecticide against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The substance is believed to act by causing dehydration in the mosquitoes.
Study Shows Mosquitoes Can Still Spread Malaria After Long-Distance Flights
Last year, groundbreaking research showed Anopheles mosquitoes can ride high-altitude winds to spread far and wide. A new study published in July confirms that, after such flights, the mosquitoes remain healthy and capable of transmitting the pathogen that causes malaria.
Cannibalism in Mosquito Larvae Confounds Egg Counts
New research shows that late-stage Anopheles gambiae larvae will eat eggs and first-instar larvae of their own species, calling into question the common view that females of the mosquito species avoid laying eggs in water where other larvae are already present.
Fertilizer Runoff is a Boon to Mosquito Growth
A new study shows that fertilizer present in water where mosquitoes breed can boost growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi, which mosquito larvae feed on, resulting in accelerated larval development and greater survival rates to adulthood.