V] BIONOMICS 



37 



always carried uplifted so that the insect resembles a tiny 

 moth. The second longitudinal vein branches twice, all three 

 branches being distinct. The body is hairy. Sexual dimor- 

 phism is distinct. The total length never exceeds 3 mm. 

 and is usually much less. 



Phlebotomus papatasii is the most important member of 

 the genus and the following remarks apply especially to this 

 species. 



Bionomics. When P. papatasii is feeding it lifts its wings 

 up to an angle of about 45°, this characteristic attitude being 

 well shewn in Fig. 21. On the slightest disturbance the insect 



Fig. 20. Phlebotonius papatasii, Scop. Male. 



moves suddenly to either the right or left by short rapid flights, 

 somewhat resembling the movements of a flea. If undisturbed 

 the females rapidly gorge themselves with blood and then 

 silently fly away to some dark corner. In rooms they usually 

 hide behind pictures, underneath clothes or in similar places. 

 In Malta, where they have been studied by Marett and New- 

 stead, their favourite localities during the day seem to be the 

 numerous small caves and catacombs, and also the interstices 

 of stone walls. Atmospheric conditions have a marked effect 



