Requirement for Ribonucleic Acid in a Semi-Synthetic Larval Diet for the Mosquito Culex Pipiens

Abstract

Newly-hatched larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens were reared axenically to the adult stage in a casein-based, semi-synthetic medium. Growth rate and percentage adult emergence approach those attained in satisfactory crude septic media. Ribonucleic acid is a critical component of the medium; without it, development is very slow and survival to pupation very low. A concentration of 0.3% yeast RNA was required for optimal growth.