Mosquitoes in Britain

Abstract

THE British Mosquito Control Institute at Hayling Island, Hants, has recently issued at the price of Is. a useful pamphlet, entitled "The Morphology and Biology of Culex molestus: Observational Notes for Investigators". The object of this publication is to facilitate the investigation of cases in which mosquitoes are causing (or periodically cause) annoyance in dwelling-houses or other buildings, especially those in 'built-up' areas. From among thirty species of mosquito known in Britain, Culex molestus closely resembles our commonest mosquito, namely, C. pipiens, in many ways. It is, however, a fierce and persistent blood-sucker of man, whereas Culex pipiens rarely (if ever) bites human beings. The species molestus can lay eggs without having had a bloodmeal, although the number of eggs laid is much reduced. It breeds at all times of the year, and mating, unlike that of almost all other mosquitoes, can occur in a very confined space. So far as is known it breeds chiefly in accumulations of water in dark or semi-dark warm situations, but a good deal more needs to be found out on this subject and many other features regarding its habits. So far, Culex molestus has only been recognized in London, Harwich and Hull, but it needs to be known whether it has a wider distribution in the country. Anyone willing to help in this investigation can receive a free copy of the pamphlet mentioned on application to the Director of the Institute, Mr. J. F. Marshall, whose temporary address is "Wayside", 47 London Road, Cheltenham.