94 



Chidester (F. E.). AnojjJieles quadrimaculatus and Anopheles 

 pundipennis in Salt Water. — Science, Lancaster, Pa., li, no. 1314, 

 5tli March 1920, pp. 244-245. 



During observations made in Virginia, Anopheles quadrimaculatus 

 and A. punctij^ennis were frequently reared from larvae found in 

 brackish water the specific gravity of which was, 1-0048 and 1-0058. 



LoFTiN (U. C). Mosquitoes found about Gainesville, Fla. Mosquitoes 

 and Disease. — Florida Buggist, Gainesville, iii, no. 3, December 

 1919, pp. 37-43 & 48-50. '[Received 27th March 1920.] 



The relations between mosquitos and such diseases as malaria and 

 yellow fever are discussed. The most active enemies of mosquitos 

 in Florida are the minnows, Gambusia affinis and Chaenobryttus 

 gulosus. The usual remedial measures against both adult and larval 

 mosquitos are reviewed and recent drainage operations in various 

 States are described. 



Banks (C. S.). The Swarming of Anopheline Mosquitoes.— Philippine 

 Jl. Science, Manila, xv, no. 3, September 1919, pp. 283-288. 

 [Received 24th March 1920.] 



The swarming of mosquitos has been constantly reported, but no 

 mention seems previously to have been made of this habit in the case 

 of Anophehnes. Swarms of Anopheles subpictus, Grassi {Myzornyia 

 rossi, Giles) were observed in March 1917, but detailed observations 

 were not made until 1919, when swarms of these mosquitos were 

 seen on the evenings of 4th, 5th, and 6th March. The observations 

 were most complete on 6th March. At 6.15 p.m. a few males were 

 observed and in ten minutes three clusters, numbering several thou- 

 sands, all males, had formed. Between 6.30 and 6.40 about fifty 

 females entered the swarm, and were seized by males, the pairs flying 

 slowly but directly out of the swarm. In another ten minutes the 

 whole swarm had dispersed. 



A remarkable feature of this phenomenon was the occurrence of a 

 stiff breeze on each occasion. Thus it appears that, in spite of a 

 general opinion to the contrary, Anophehnes can maintain their posi- 

 tion, and fly easily in any direction in an eight- or nine-mile-an-hour 

 wind. They could even more easily allow themselves to be carried 

 by the wind for considerable distances, while the ability they displayed 

 in evading capture would enable them to avoid injury in passing among 

 trees or similar objects. 



This swarming of Anophehnes was observed on one occasion near 

 the College of Agriculture less than two hundred yards to windward 

 of a creek which is an ideal breeding-place for Anopheles minimus 

 {M. febrifer), but separated by a thick bamboo grove. Malaria is most 

 prevalent in the dry season, and if A. minimus has the same powers of 

 flight as A. subpictus, its range of activities would be hmited by only 

 two factors, gamete carriers and the number of individuals exposed 

 to attack. 



