VITAL DYES FOR MARKING LIVING ELATERID LARVAE

Abstract

The following dyes appear to be suitable as internal vital markers for living wireworms: Nile blue sulphate, rhodamine B, Sudan black B, brilliant cresyl blue, acridine orange N, coriphosphine O, and brilliant fat scarlet. All are assimilated quickly after ingestion with food, are stored in the fat body for extended periods, can be seen distinctly through the integument, and have no apparent toxic effects. Their selective storage in the fat bodies appears to be a product of their content of the fat-soluble amino-ethyl or amino-methyl groups, and of a specific type of molecular configuration. These dyes will undoubtedly also be useful as vital markers for other insects, particularly those with thin, transparent integuments.