American Invader Hampers the Malaria Fight in Africa

And while 30 percent survival doesn't sound like much, it's important to note that famine weed can grow in harsh conditions where plants like R. communis cannot. In this way, the invader is simply adding to the emergency food supplies available to Africa's mosquito populations.

What's more, the mosquitoes that fed on famine weed built up larger reserves of lipids than insects fed on either of the other plants. Torto explained that lipids have high caloric value, making them particularly useful.

"For instance, lipids have been implicated in the development of embryos in mosquitoes and therefore their ability to reproduce," he said.

"Our findings point to an urgent need for focused efforts to curb the spread of P. hysterophorus, especially in malaria endemic areas," the researcher added. "The results also indicate the possible existence of disease vector species that are resilient and capable of tolerating certain cell-killing substances in the environment, including highly toxic poisons such as those produced by invasive plants. Further research is required regarding such species so as to design appropriate control strategies for them."

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