DIPTERA. 



361 



( ontrol.—i 



Observation. It is usuallj stated that these flies suck blood whi n 

 hovering on the wing ; but this is not the case, at least as regards 

 the species figured here. The Hies hover with their long probos- 

 1 ides thrust out and probably search for a suitable place with their 

 labella ; this found, the By settles and thrusts the tip of the pro- 

 boscis against the skin of the animal attaeked, pressing firmly 

 forward so that the proboscis is bent arcuately, when the mandibles 

 are brought into contacl with the skin and thrust in and the blood 

 sucked. Tin' proboscis itself takes no part in the sucking of the 

 ns impossible that these flies should suck blood 

 whilst hovering. 



I ig. 221.— Culex fatigam 

 inon Indian Mosquito 

 figure shows the natural size 



l'.m 



culicid^;. 



MOSQUITOS. 



It is impossible to give 

 here any but a general 

 account of the various mos- 

 quitos found in Southern 

 India. The eggs are laid 

 singly or in masses forming 

 little rafts which float on 

 the surface of the water. 

 The larva.- and pupae of all 

 species are aquatic and 

 control should therefore aim 

 .a elimination of breeding- 

 places in the vicinity of 

 dwellings. Open wells and 

 eisterns should be screened 

 and fitted with a pump 

 where practicable and empty 

 tins, broken bottles, coconut 

 husks, etc.. which may catch 

 rain, should not be allowed 



i very com- 

 (After 



to lie about the compound. Jars ot water under legs of tables, 

 etc.. should be treated with kerosine oil regularly and all bodies 

 of open water near dwellings should be treated regularly with 

 some larvicide or a supply of a small fish kept in them. An 

 invasion of mosquitOS in the house may sometimes be traced to 

 flower-vases, fowls' or dogs' water pans, etc., and all such 

 be emptied and refilled daily. 



