28 The Mosquitoes or Culicidae of Jamaica. 



at an angle on each side from the apex, are simple and rounded 

 at their ends. The pupae very similar to Culex pipiens. 



This larva differs from C. pipiens in (1) the smaller range of 

 teeth on the spines on the pecten of the tube, which vary from 

 four to five, and in different spines on the pecten on the eighth 

 segment. 



Economic importance. This is one of the chief agents in 

 spreading Filaria nocturna, the bloodworm of man. It also acts 

 as the intermediate host of Filaria immitis of dogs. Beyond 

 acting as a disease carrier, it is a very vicious and persistent biter 

 and draws away large quantities of blood, not only of man, but of 

 animals and birds. 



15. MELANOCONION ATRATUS. Theobald. 



(The Small Black Mosquito.} 

 (Mono. Culicid. II., p. 55, 1901, and III., p. 238, 1903.) 



General appearance. Head with creamy-white narrow 

 curved scales in the middle, flat ones at the sides and black 

 upright forked scales ; palpi and proboscis black. Thorax deep 

 umber brown to almost jet black. Abdomen black, sometimes 

 with a dull coppery-brown sheen, each segment with small lateral 

 basal spots, most distinct on the apical segments ; venter with 

 broad creamy apical bands. Legs dark brown to almost black, 

 except at the base, a pale knee spot and another at the tibio- 

 metatarsal joint, female ungues equal and simple, in the male the 

 fore and mid unequal, both uniserrated, hind equal and simple. 

 Wings with dark brown scales, those on the apical areas of the 

 veins short, broad and dense. Costal upper border spiny. 



Length. 2' 5 to 3 mm. 



Geographical distribution. Trinidad, Barbadoes, St. Lucia, 

 Jamaica, British Guiana, Brazil. In Jamaica it is found in 

 abundance at the Ferry Swamp and also occasionally in 

 Kingston. 



Life-history and habits. This small black mosquito occurs in 

 swarms in the mangrove swamps, and also is found in the bush 

 and in hospitals and houses. Dr. Grabham says it is the usual 

 swamp form in Jamaica. They are taken all the year round. 

 The eggs have not been observed. The larvae live in permanent 

 algae-containing pools and feed upon algae. Minnows frequently 

 occur with them and do not seem to destroy them at all ; nor do 



