70 



NATURE STUDY AND LIFE 



distinguishing characteristic of the genus is that the palpi 

 are at least almost as long as the proboscis in both sexes. 

 An easier way to distinguish Anopheles from all other 

 mosquitoes is from the position of the wrigglers in the 

 water and of the adults when resting on a surface (Fig. 3 

 of above Circular and others in Btdlctiji No. 2^). 



If Anopheles is found and malaria abounds in the 

 district, the investigation of the class should be carefully 

 prepared for publication in the local papers and every effort 



Fig. 26. Resting Positions of Anopheles (at Left) and Culex 



(at Right) 

 a, antennae ;/, proboscis ;/, palpi. (Enlarged. After Howard) ' 



be made to effect complete extermination of the pests. 

 Even if this be impossible, if the study succeed in influ- 

 encing the children against wantonly exterminating the 

 fishes and frogs and newts of our surface waters, it will 

 not have been in vain. 



Throughout these lessons special attention should also 

 be directed toward observing and studying the enemies of 

 mosquitoes in the air. Young toads and tree frogs may 

 be experimented with to see how many they will eat at a 

 meal. Swallows are known to destroy enormous numbers, 



