370 



THE MOSQUITOES 



DISSECTION OF THE MOSQUITO 





The easiest way to secure a mosquito for dissection is to use an ordinary plugged 

 test-tube. Slipping the open end of the test-tube over the resting mosquito, by a 

 slight movement, the insect will fly toward the bottom. Then quickly insert the 

 plug. If it is not desired to study the scales, the best way to kill the mosquito is by 

 striking the tube sharply against the thigh. If it is also desired to study the scale 

 characteristics it is better to put a drop or so of chloroform on the lower part of the 

 cotton plug. The vapor falls to the bottom of the tube and kills the mosquito. Take 

 the mosquito out, pull off legs and wings, and then place the body in a drop of salt 



FIG. 95. Heads of mosquitoes: i and 2, male and female Cttiex pungens', 3 and 4, 

 male and female Anopheles', 5 and 6, male and female A'edes calopus. (After Stitt.) 

 From P. H. Reports. 



solution on a slide. It has been recommended to smear the surface of the slide with 

 bile, wiping off the excess, before commencing the dissection in the salt solution. 

 Then hold the anterior end of the thorax by pressure of a needle. With a second 

 needle in the other hand, gently crush the chitinous connection between the sixth and 

 seventh segments of the abdomen. Then holding the thorax firm, steadily and 

 gently pull the last segments in the opposite direction. If this is done properly, a 

 delicate gelatinous white mass will slowly float out in the salt solution. One should 



