Orchid pollination by Aedes mosquitoes in Alaska

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Source:

American Midland Naturalist, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Volume 95, Issue 1, p.208-210 (1976)

Call Number:

A76GOR01IDUS

Keywords:

Habenaria obtusata, Platanthera obtusata

Abstract:

Pollination of orchids (Platantera obtusata) by mosquitoes was first reported in 1913. Since that time the phenomenon has been reported from Michigan, Wisconsin, Alaska, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. The Alaskan record was based on observations of male Aedes communis. It was found during recent investigations in central and northern Alaska that female Ae. communis and five other kinds of mosquitoes, all females, also carry pollinia: Ae. hexodontus (new record), Ae. intrudens (new record). Ae. nigripes (new state record), Ae. punctor (new state record ) and an undescribed population called Ae. sp. A (new record).