15 6 Mosquitoes 



abundantly at Baton Rouge (Fig. 8, b, page 46). 

 It is the commonest species along the eastern 

 coast, and, from its numbers and blood-thirsti- 

 ness, while not known to be a disease carrier, is yet 

 of the greatest economic importance along the 

 eastern shore, where, especially in New Jersey and 

 Long Island, extensive and organised efforts have 

 been made to reduce its myriads. Its golden-brown, 

 white-sided thorax and the yellowish -white stripe 

 down the centre of the abdomen, crossing the basal 

 abdominal bands of the same colour, together with 

 the broad, white, tarsal bands, render the adult 

 easily recognisable. 



They inhabit the salt marshes in hordes, hiding 

 during the day in the grass or shrubs, whence they 

 rise in great clouds at the least disturbance, and 

 then — woe to the intruder ! For the winged tor- 

 ments say little but proceed to work, frequently 

 making the place utterly untenable. I have been 

 simply routed by them in the meadows near Staten 

 Island Sound. Never shall I forget several madden- 

 ing hours in an open trolley car, stalled one night 

 on the meadows between Newark and Jersey City. 

 The insects came down like Morgan's raiders, out 

 for blood and gore, piercing every bit of exposed 

 skin and frequently biting through the clothing. 

 Our ankles — a favourite point of attack with this 

 species — were one furious itch. Finally, the men 

 built a smudge, which gave some relief. It is said 

 that people have been driven temporarily insane by 

 the bites, and it is not hard to believe. Along the 

 the Jersey coast sollicitans and cantator make life a 



