The Structure and Life History of the Mosquito, Opifex Fuscus, Hutton

Abstract

This species was first described by Hutton (1902, P.188) who placed it among the Tipulids. Dr. David l filler ( 1920 ) when carrying out an investigation into the mosquitoes of New Zealand found a common species which bred in saline and semisaline pools above high water mark. This species he presumed to be unrecorded; however, Mr. G. V. Hudson who is in possession or Hutton's Tipulid types pointed out that Hutton had recorded it, but as a Tipulid. From specimens sent to him by Mr. G. V.Hudson, Mr. F. W. Edwards (1921) first placed Opifex :fuscus among the Culicine mosquitoes. He gave a short account of the insect and pointed out that it could not be placed in any previously known genus of the Culicidae and that it was difficult to place it precisely in relation to the other genera of the Culicini, but that it seemed to be nearer to Aedes than to Cullex. Dr. Millar (1922) published some notes with regard to certain of its structural peculiarities. He made a revision of the generic characters; he also considered on aooount of the remarkable charaoters of the adult and pre-adult stages that there were sufficient grounds for the erection of a new sub-family for it. Hence he created the new sub-family Opifioinae for ita reception. Professor Kirk (1923, p. 400) published some notes on the mating habits, oviposition and early life-history of the insect. Edwards (1924) gave a further acoount of the species; he considered that there was "no justification for treating it as forming a separate tribe" as Dr. Miller had proposed.