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

78 MOSQUITOES OF NORTH AMERICA
specimens may be mounted on points using glue or shellac to
make them adhere (Fig. 22, a), or a small bit of shellac may
be put on the pin about $& inch below the head and the shellac
pressed against the side of the insect (Fig. 22, d). This latter
method gives excellent mounts with the least possible injury.
After pinning each individual should be carefully labeled as to
time and place of capture. The pinned adults may be pre-
served in any of the various types of museum boxes now on
a b C d
FIGURE 22. Various methods for mounting mosquitoes. a. A mosquito
pinned on a card board point. b. Pinned on a minuten nadeln. c. Pinned
directly through the thorax. d. Adhering to a drop of shellac on the
side of the pin.
the market. Old cigar boxes fitted with a thin cork bottom
make excellent temporary storage places.
The method of identification of the adults is fully explained
in another chapter. A good hand lens is essential and a micro-
scope should be available. The most ideal instrument is a bin-
ocular microscope fitted so as to give magnifications from 16 to
48 diameters.
COLLECTION, PRESERVATION AND REARING OF LARVAE
The larvae of mosquitoes are all aquatic. To obtain larvae,
search all possible aquatic situations and do not depend on your
sight to determine whether wrigglers are present or not. The