42 MOSQUITO ERADICATION 



differs from C. pipiens in that it seems to prefer clear, clean water, 

 but otherwise its habits, etc., are similar. The larva differs 

 from that of C. pipiens in that the antennal tuft is less than half- 

 way between base and tip, while in the case of pipiens larvae it is 

 generally more than this. 



FRESH -WATER SYLVAN GROUP 



Aedes vexans, Meig, one of the most important mosquitoes of 

 this group, is a smallish insect with unspotted wings and un- 

 handed beak. Its tarsi have narrow light bands at the base, as 

 do the abdominal segments. The larva has a spotted head. 

 Its respiratory siphon is about three times as long as it is broad. 

 The antennae spring from the sides of the anterior part of the 

 head. This species breeds only in temporary puddles, eschewing 

 permanent water. Some eggs hatch after every rain; frequently 

 all perish by drying of the pool. A. vexans, it is said, will fly as 

 far as 5 miles. This mosquito does not enter houses, but prefers 

 shady places such as under trees and porches, and bites day and 

 night. 



Aedes canadensis, Theob., has a black proboscis, a brown, 

 unmarked thorax and unspotted wings. The last tarsal segment 

 is white; the others are brown with white bands at the base and 

 tip. A. canadensis is found probably most frequently in forest 

 pools, etc., and is not supposed to travel far. The larvae are 

 gray with dark heads. In the early stages the larva has a light 

 transverse band about its neck. The scales on each side of the 

 eighth segment are isolated and elongated. The life history 

 and habits of this insect, generally speaking, are similar to those 

 of A. vexans. 



Mansonia perturbans Wlk. (Coquilletidia perturbans Wlk.) is a 

 large brown mosquito with a very irritating bite. Both tarsal 

 and abdominal segments have narrow white bands at the base 

 and the first tarsal joints have broad bands near the middle. 

 The proboscis has a broad white band in the middle also. This 

 species breeds only in permanent swamps. The larvae and 

 pupae differ from all others in that they remain at the bottom of 

 the pool, drawing their oxygen supply from certain plant roots, 

 etc. They are light in color and have a respiratory siphon shaped 

 like a bottle. The larvae of this species hibernate, attached to 

 roots, etc.; they are able to withstand freezing. According to 



