CHAPTER XI 



IDENTIFICATION KEYS AND SYSTEMATIC LIST 



TO those not accustomed to using keys of this 

 kind as a short cut to ascertaining the name of 

 the mosquito in hand, a few words of explanation 

 may be in order. First, read the two paragraphs 

 composing the couplet numbered I, then examine the 

 specimen and see with which of these it agrees, 

 the number at the end of this paragraph is that 

 of the couplet next to be examined. Proceed with 

 the second couplet as with the first and continue in 

 this manner until the agreeing line leads to the name 

 of the insect. For instance, if we have a specimen 

 of a salt-marsh mosquito at hand and wish to know its 

 scientific name, by turning to the Key to the Adults 

 and reading the first paragraph of couplet i, we 

 find that our specimen has both the proboscis and 

 the tarsi ringed with whitish, therefore agreeing with 

 these lines; this leads to the number 2, indicating 

 that the couplet bearing the same number is the next 

 to be examined. As our specimen has the joints, or 

 segments, of the tarsi white at their bases only, not at 

 their apices also, the agreement is with the second 

 half of couplet 2 ; this leads to the number 3. The 

 wings of our specimen being unspotted, it agrees with 

 the second line of couplet 3; this leads to the number 

 5. The abdomen having a median light-coloured 



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