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MOSQUITOES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 



A Preliminary Report 



By P.K. LOWRY 



INTRODUCTION 



Mosquitoes are widespread and abundant, except in deserts, from the 

 ropics to the Arctic tundras. Over four hundred different species have 

 )een described from North and South America, and many more from 

 )ther part^ of the world. Thirty-eight different kinds of mosquitoes are 

 :nown to occur in New Hampshire, and eight or ten additional species 

 mdoubtedly are present in the state but have not j^et been found. Mos- 

 juitoes are flies iDiptera)aiid comprise the family Culicidce. The fam- 

 ly is divided into two subfamilies. The first, the CuUcince, includes 

 hose insects commonly recognized as mosquitoes. Among these are the 

 ipecies discussed in this paper. The second, the Corethrinoe, do not 

 rAe or suck blood and will not be mentioned here except under the 

 leading Natural Control and in the list of species. Seven of our known 

 S'ew Hampshire mosquitoes belong to this last subfamil.y. 



Scientific names are used because it is practically impossible for the 

 aj'man to distinguish the different species, and most of them have no 

 common name. Where common names have been api^lied, these also 

 u-e used. 



The following discussion, except when definitely stated otherwise, ap- 

 plies only to mosquitoes of the subfamily CuUcince found, or likely to be 

 'ound. in New Hampshire; and although most of the statements hold 

 rue for mosquitoes in general, yet exceptions and many additional facts 

 ire known concerning the mosquitoes of other regions. 



ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE 



Mosquitoes are generally recognized as pests because of the irritating 

 effects of their bites. When they are abundant, life may be made al- 

 most unendurable by their attacks, and certainly the enjoyment of the 

 nfested locality is reduced seriously. In various parts of the country' 

 arge numbers of mosquitoes have been accused of interfering with con- 

 struction work, agricultural labor, and other outdoor occupations, of re- 

 ducing the value of real estate, both farm and town, and of retarding 

 Aie development of hotels, parks and summer resorts. 



Domestic animals may be seriously affected by mosquitoes. Heavy 

 infestation may cause nervousness, loss of flesh, and decreased vitality and 

 resistance to disea.se. Even death has been reported in a number of 

 3ases. A reduction of milk flow in dairy cows, and even of egg pro- 

 duction in jioultiy, has been noted when mosquitoes were present in large 

 iiunbers. 



Only since 1898 have mosquitoes been recognized as carriers of human 

 disease. In that year Maj. Ronald Ross proved the transmission of ma- 



