a handbook of the mosquitoes of north america - Systematic Catalog ...

BIOLOGY 35
Thus our anopheline species seem to prefer permanent to semi-
permanent bodies of water in which there is considerable vege-
tation, particularly algae. They are also partial to the bor-
ders of sluggish streams where the larvae develop amongst
the marginal plant growth. A 12 oplzeles pzbjzc tipemks develops
in almost any kind of water, as roadside puddles, foul pools,
swamps, (Plate III, 1) cat-tail marshes, rain-water barrels, cis-
terns, along the margins of slow flowing streams, cold springs,
etc. It has never been found living in deep woodland pools. Ac-
cording to Herms and Freeborn, AsoplzeCes mnculipemis (A.
occidentalis of authors) breeds by preference in rather clear
water open to sunshine and in which vegetation is fairly abun-
FIGURE 15. Larva of Anopheles resting at the surface of the water.
Note that the head is turned at an angle of 180” so that the mouthparts are
sweeping the surface film for food; also note the small float-hairs break
through the surface film and aid in the support of the larva.
dant. Anoplzeles qzladri~lzacztlatzts, our most important vector
of malaria, breeds in permanent and transient waters. Its
favorite breeding grounds are lakes, bayous, sloughs and
marshes in which there is an abundance of aquatic vegetation
especially of the floating type such as Lewma, Aeolla, water
lilies, etc., and algae of various species. Such situations be-
come ideal, when surrounded more or less by low growing
trees and shrubbery, giving the adults protection from winds,
etc., in order that successful oviposition may take place. This
species formerly bred in great numbers in the numerous
marshes, swamps, and borders of lakes in the central New
York area. It is rarely found now. An opheles crucians
breeds by preference in brackish water and is largely confined
to the coastal zone. A. atropos breeds. in salt water and has