320 Fiftieth Report ox the State Museum 



the last phonetic mode of spelling, I have a decided preference, and 

 would gladly see it adopted were it not that the orthography approved 

 by Webster of m-o-s-q-u-i-t-o, is sanctioned and sustained in its employ- 

 ment as the specific name of one of the species of the genus Culex, and 

 scientists do not feel at liberty to change a single letter in a specific 

 name once given and accepted, except under a few prescribed condi- 

 tions. Another mode of spelling with which we sometimes meet, is 

 m-o-s-c-h-e-t-o, the authority for which I do not know. 



The common name, as is often the case with unscientific names, does 

 not define the insect intended. The insects which in the United States 

 are known as mosquitoes, are popularly known in England and also 

 written of, as gnats. By some writers, the blackfly — the terror of the 

 Adirondack tourist in early summer, has been claimed as a mosquito, 

 while in reality it belongs to a family — the Shnulidce — quite removed 

 from the Culicidce. The Portuguese, in Brazil, are said to apply the name 

 to a small species of Simulium or black-fly. 



Its Place in Classification. 



The mosquitoes and associated gnats belong to the order of Diptera, 

 or two-winged flies, and to the family of CulicidcB^ so named from its 

 principal genus, Ciilex. This family from the high degree of develop- 

 ment of its mouth parts, has been placed ijear the head of the Diptera, as 

 are the Cicindelidce or tiger beetles at the head of the Coleoptera. The 

 principal characteristic of the family, is its long and slender beak or 

 proboscis, nearly half as long as the insect, appearing as a simple organ, 

 but really composed of several pieces, peculiarly fitted for their function 

 of forcing their way into the flesh and drawing blood therefrom. 



The mosquito, is not, as its popular name would seem to imply, a 

 single species. There are a number of distinct and well characterized 

 species, which have their special haunts, different degrees of annoyance, 

 and different seasons of the year devoted to their forays. Even in that 

 season when the entire insect world out of doors is generally supposed 

 to be indulging in its sleep of months preparatory to its spring opening 

 and summer campaign, we are not left wholly without representation of 

 this intrusive family, for the winter months may bring us occasional visits 

 — fortunately they are rare — from Culex hye?nalis, the winter mosquito. 



All of those which are grouped in the family of CuUcidcE, may properly 

 be regarded as mosquitoes, as they are closely allied in structure and 

 in habits. 



