SOME FUNCTIONS OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS OF MOSQUITOES AND OTHER BLOOD-FEEDING INSECTS

Abstract

Tests for anticoagulating, agglutinating, and lytic factors were performed on the gut contents of blood engorged specimens and on the salivary gland homogenates of several species of mosquitoes and other blood-feeding insects. The results suggest that these factors are commonly present in the salivary glands but may vary in concentration with the species. The anticoagulin was absent in female Aedes aegypti whose salivary ducts had been cut; some of the duct-cut insects had difficulty in probing, but were able to produce viable eggs and to feed again. The utilization of the blood meal in the absence of saliva is discussed.