Chapter XVIII 
Anophelinae—The Larva and Nymph 
The Larva 
The larvae of Anophelines when first hatched out 
are minute characteristic creatures, with very black 
heads and transparent bodies. They move with a 
very active wriggling movement. They can, even at 
this stage, be distinguished from the larvae of Culicines , 
especially with the aid of a lens, as they take up a 
horizontal position. 
Examination of the Larva. —This may be done 
either in the fresh state, when also the process of feeding 
can be well observed, or a mounted specimen is 
prepared, and for detailed examination this is best. 
Method I. —Boil the larva in ten per cent, potash 
for half to one hour, until it is fairly transparent. 
Wash out in water all traces of potash. Stain, if 
required, in a saturated alcoholic solution of fuchsin 
(basic). Dehydrate in alcohol, clear in oil of cloves, 
mount in balsam (Newstead). This method gives 
beautiful results, and should be used if the larva 
mounted by method II is not sufficiently transparent. 
Method II. —Place the larva in about ten per cent, 
formalin. When dead, dehydrate in alcohol ; clear 
in oil of cloves (or xylol, etc.), mount in balsam. 
Place two strips of cardboard under the coverglass in 
order to support it. 
Method III. —Cover the larvae in a drop of 
water, with a coverglass, and examine with one-half 
