Martini (E.). Die biologische MalariabekampfungSH.. 



[Biological x\iiti-malaria Work in Macedonia.] — Zeitschr. angew. 

 Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 225-286, 7 figs. 



This paper describes in a comprehensive manner the anti-mosquito 

 measures on the German Balkan front, from February 1918 until the 

 retreat of September 1918 stopped all work and resulted in the loss of 

 a large mass of valuable material. 



Descriptions are given of the country and the dwellings found in it, 

 the mosquito fauna, the malaria incidence and the organisation created 

 to combat it, anti-malaria methods, mechanical protection against 

 mosquitos, measures against mosquito larvae, and methods of dealing 

 with the breeding-places. 



A list of the species of mosquitos met with has already been 

 noticed [R.A.E., B, ix, 20]. Anopheles maculipennis. Mg., is the 

 commonest species. It begins breeding at the end of March in warm 

 localities and in April in more northern and higher situations. In 

 suitable places all sizes of larvae occur in increasing numbers throughout 

 the summer, without however a corresponding increase in the adults, 

 owing to the disappearance of many breeding-places as summer 

 advances. Thus adults may be abundant in July and scarce in August. 

 The larvae occur in all kinds of water, from that in hoof-marks to large 

 rivers or lakes, but never in an actual current or open space, shelter 

 being sought not only against disturbance but also against natural 

 enemies. Artificial collections of water are likewise infested, but 

 stagnant water and pools thickly covered with duck-weed are avoided. 

 Warmth does not appear to affect the larvae. The larvae are regularly 

 associated with those of Culex hortensis, Fie. 



The larvae oiA. hifurcatus, L., seem even more particular as to the 

 freshness of the water. This species is not very numerous, probably 

 owing to deforestation. It has been observed as high up as 5,000 feet. 



Only the western variety {pseudopicius) of A. hyycamis. Pall, {sinensis 

 Wied.) was found, and then it was taken once only, near Gevgeli. 

 As the latter is an important commercial centre, it is possible that 

 this individual was an imported one. 



A. palestinensis. Theo., is second in abundance to A. maculipennis, 

 but was not found in the northern part of the territory, though it may 

 possibly occur there. Its altitude range is also less than that of A. 

 maculipennis and A. hifurcatus, and it seems to require more warmth. 

 Its chief breeding-places are in the warm region of the lower Varda. 

 It is found in the quiet bays of swift-flowing streams, but at the bottom 

 of large valleys it occurs in slow-moving water full of algae. The 

 latter places are scarcely suited to Culex mimeticus, Noe, which other- 

 wise is constantly associated with it, so that these two species are 

 less closely connected than are /I. maculipennis and C. hortensis. The 

 fertilised females of A. palestinensis sometimes hibernate, but the 

 species is scarce in spring and the heavy rains appear to destroy entire 

 broods during the early warm weather. After the rains, A . palestin- 

 ensis rapidly increases, and it may predominate locally over /I. maculi- 

 pennis. This seasonal difference between it and A. maculipennis is 

 of some practical importance if it be remembered that benign tertian 

 malaria is at its height in spring and malignant tertian in autumn. 

 Measures against malignant tertian and those against A . palestinensis 

 would therefore appear to be of equal importance in many districts. 

 Lack of opportunity prevented careful investigation of another 

 (3191) H 2 



