22 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [Jan., 08 
Notes on the Larval Habits of Culex perturbans. 
By Joun B. Smirn, Sc. D. 
(Plates III, IV) 
The larva of Culex perturbans has eluded the search of all 
that have sought it up to the present time. Goeldi found a 
closely allied species in South America, and from the eggs 
secured the first stage. Beyond that he could not carry them 
and all died without feeding. Dr. Dyar had the same exper- 
ience with perturbans, the first stage and egg-boat of which he 
secured in captivity and described. Our experience in New 
Jersey was not different, and im my report for 1906 I gave 
an account of what had been theretofore learned concerning 
this elusive creature. 
Our experience had very greatly narrowed the scope of 
the investigation, by eliminating all the usual breeding places 
and methods of other mosquitoes and had pointed very strongly 
to certain permanent bodies of water containing considerable 
vegetation. 
Perturbans is not usually a common species and the only 
locality from which I have annually received it in large num- 
bers is Lahaway, in Ocean County, the collector being my old 
friend, J. Turner Brakeley, who has done so much to help 
along this mosquito investigation. He did not fail to obtain 
them again in 1907, and sent them in by the hundred during 
July. As I was unable to get to Lahaway myself, at that 
time, I sent Mr. John A. Grossbeck to make the hunt for me 
on July 31st, and accompanied by Mr. Brakeley, who pointed 
out the most likely places, Mr. Grossbeck found that eggs were 
laid in rafts on the surface of the water in densely grass 
or sedge-covered areas and that these boats sank readily when 
disturbed unless supported against a stalk or blade of grass. 
Sixty-nine egg boats were taken from one pool 25 x 35 feet, 
and others were found in similar areas. A few very young 
larve were found, but not under such conditions as to indicate 
their actual habits. 
With this knowledge Mr. Grossbeck succeeded in locating 
another swamp area near Trenton, 6 or 7 acres in extent, in 
which egg boats were also found in some numbers. 
