14 The Mosquitoes or Culicidae of Jamaica. 



Life-history. The egg, larva and pupa are at present 

 unknown. 



Economic importance. It is undoubtedly a malaria carrier, 

 according to Dr. Lutz. 



3. CELLIA ARGYROTAESIS. Robineau-Desvoidy. 

 (The Swamp Mosquito.) 



(Essai sur les Culicid., p. 411, Rob.-Desvoidy ; Dipt. Argentina, p. 36, 

 Arribalzaga; Mono. Culicid. I., p. 123, and III., p. 110, Theobald.) 



General appearance. Head black, with white upright scales 

 in front, black behind and at the sides. Palpi covered with long 

 black scales, apex pure white and two other narrow white rings. 

 Thorax with bluish-grey sheen, with three more or less distinct 

 longitudinal dark lines, with pale scales scattered over the 

 surface. Abdomen dusky purplish-brown with creamy-yellow 

 scales, especially in the middle of the segments, lateral tufts of 

 dark grey scales projecting from the sides. Legs dark brown ; 

 first two tarsi of fore legs apically white, also metatarsus, in the 

 mid-legs the same, but also traces on the last two segments of 

 pale bands ; last three segments and apex of the next pure white 

 in the hind legs. Wings with the costa dark, with four distinct 

 and several small white patches, wing field with dark and light 

 patches, which vary in extent. 



Length. 4 to 5 mm. 



Geographical distribution. All the West Indian Islands and 

 many parts of South America. It is uncommon in Jamaica. 

 Dr. Grabham sent me some in 1900, but I have received none 

 since. These were taken in 1899 by Dr. Grabham, who recently 

 writes that he has not met with the species again since that 

 date. 



Life-history. Dr. Grabham bred this insect from larvae 

 taken from typical Anopheles pools at Rockfort, near Kingston, 

 the mature insect appearing from November to March in this 

 island. I am not aware that the larvae, &c., have been carefully 

 examined for structural details. 



Economic importance. This mosquito has been proved to act 

 as a transmitting agent of the bloodworm Filaria nocturna found 

 in Barbadoes and in various tropical countries. Its bite is not 

 particularly irritating, nor is the insect very bloodthirsty. It is 

 found in swamps mostly, but may invade houses. 



