MOSQUITO BIOLOGY 111 



with only median tooth. Claw-joint of middle tarsi more normal in 

 shape, yet a little excavated on inner side ; claws similar to those of 

 anterior tarsi, but smaller. On posterior tarsi claw-joint normal and 

 claws small, similar, with median tooth. In female tarsal claws all alike, 

 small, with single tooth before middle. 



Abdomen black or blackish above, with narrow white bands at base, 

 sides becoming more broadly white until, beneath, white with broad 

 black bands. Amount of white on the upper side variable, but in fresh 

 specimens basal bands usually distinct. In male abdominal segments 

 better defined, white bands more clearly marked, expanding at sides ; 

 surface covered with fine, long, divergent hair. 



Range of variation small; considerable difference in size, and some 

 difference in intensity of body color. Apparent variation in distinctness 

 of white abdominal bands usually due to age of specimen, all fresh ex- 

 amples showing clear contrasts. 



HABITS OF THE ADULT 



This is essentially a woods mosquito. It bites hard when it gets a 

 chance and readily attacks those who venture into its domain, but is 

 easily scared off and never follows into the open. Nor does it get into 

 houses or even on porches, except where a house is practically in the 

 woods. It is almost never found in cities, towns, or villages, so, though 

 it is really one of our common species, it is not to be accounted a very 

 troublesome one. 



During the day it is not readily started, except in the darker woods ; 

 but in the early morning and at dusk it flies readily and may get for a 

 short distance away from its normal shelters, but is in no sense a mi- 

 grant. The males live only a few days ; the females seem to remain for 

 several weeks. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE LARVA 



Full grown wriggler measures from 7-8 mm. (.28-.32 inch), exclud- 

 ing anal siphon; rather stout, very active, usually dirty slate gray, 

 except head, which is usually black. Little variation in color of mature 

 larva, but in earlier stages lighter, and head seems darker in contrast. 

 Up to time when two-thirds grown, usually pale band, or neck, which 

 gives characteristic appearance and usually identifies larva. Head, one 

 and one-half times as wide as long, varies in color from yellowish to deep 

 blackish brown. In small larvae head black or nearly so, except after 

 recent moult, when yellow or whitish and proportionately much larger. 

 Sometimes this pale color persists and detracts so much from usual ap- 



