20 GNATS OR MOSQUITOES — CHAPTER II 



thouf^h they be, many of Meigcn's " types of species of 

 Culicidrc are still preserved in very fair condition in the 

 Jarden des Plantes, though some must be seventy or eighty 

 years old. Few realise the enormous field of work open to 

 the collector in all tropical climates, and to say the least, 

 the pursuit forms a most fascinating hobby, and may be 

 recommended as a far better insurance against boredom in 

 old age than the most intricate knowledge of Hoyle and 

 Cavendish. 



As regards the Culicidce an infinity of work remains to 

 be done in identifying species with their larvas, in dis- 

 covering their habits of life, food, and natural enemies, as 

 well as in discovering how species tide over seasons un- 

 favourable to their free multiplication, for it is only by work 

 of this kind that we can hope to ultimately establish an 

 exact and rational prophylaxis against malaria. 



Mosquitoes are rarely found far from water, as during 

 the first two stages of their existence they are aquatic 

 animals, and the imagines rarely fly far from the pool in 

 which they lived as larva?. 



The adult insects are found, not only in houses, but in 

 groves, forests, and in any other situations where shade can 

 be obtained during the day, while the larvae and pupae are 

 common in all small collections of water where there is no 

 strong current. In the hills they are common in pools in 

 water-courses. They are to be found in all countries from 

 the Tropics to the Polar regions, and some species have so 

 wide a distribution as to rival that of man. In all countries 

 the adults may be found at all seasons of the year, the main- 

 tenance of the species being mainly secured by the survival 

 of impregnated females, which hide, and remain quiescent 

 during seasons unfavourable to the well-being of the larvae. 



In searching for them in houses it should be remembered 

 that it is in the darkest corners that they are most likely to 

 be found, and that their favourite haunts are draperies, 

 clothing hanging up, the corners of cupboards, behind 

 furniture, and such like situations. 



A very favourite hiding place, especially of Anopheles, is 

 the under surface of tables, and indeed these Mosquitoes 



