HOW TO KNOW THE INSEQS 



Figure 201< 



Fig. 201. Culex plplens L. The House 

 Mosquito. 



Reddish brown; legs and bill blackish. 

 Abdomen blackish above, with white bands 

 at base of segments. V/ing scales dark, 

 halr-llke. Length about 5 mm. 



Everybody doubtless recognizes the mos- 

 quito at sight. Some species of mosqui- 

 toes do not bite and it Is only the fe- 

 males of any species that bite. Some 

 species serve as alternating host for 

 several of man's v/orst diseases. This 

 has given the mosquitoes a lot of publi- 

 city and made them notorious. They have 

 been said to be man's worst enemies among 

 the Dlptera. Specimens should be handled 

 with great care and mounted promptly. Even 

 then It is difficult to keep them in good condition. 



4b Veins of wings without scales 5 



5a Antennae shorter than the thorax. Small, heavy-set, hunch- 

 backed, broad-winged flies without ocelli. (The Black Flies) 



Fig, 202. Family 7, SIMULMDAE 



Fig. 202. Prosimullum pecuarum (Riley) 

 The Buffalo-gnat. 



Black, the base of the abdomen 

 lighter. One of the larger members of 

 the family. Length about 4 mm. (From 

 U.S.D.A.) 



The members of this family are exceed- 

 ingly annoying to man and his domestic 

 animals. The gnats are small, hump- 

 backed and most persistent food-getters. 

 Their bites are annoying at the time but 

 with many species become more irritating 

 somewhat later. They make an Interest- 

 ing addition to the collection but are 

 otherwise good Insects to keep away from. 



Figure 202. 



5b Antennae longer than thorax 6 



6a Costa (front marginal vein) continuing around the wing; 

 wings usually with but three veins, small delicate flies with 

 broad wings. (The Gall Midges) Fig. 203, Fami I y 14, CECI DOMYIDAE 



Fig. 203. Dasyneura rhodophaga Coq. The 

 Rose Midge. 



Head and thorax broim; abdomen yellowish. 

 Length 1-1 1/4 mm. (From U.S.D.A.) 



The tiny members of this large family 

 form galls or other deformities on many 

 species of plants. The best way to collect 

 them is to rear them from galls. The gall 

 and a record of the plant on which It grew 

 should always be preserved with the Insect 

 specimens. The Hessian fly, the Cloverleaf 



98 



Figure 203, 



