THE FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE MOUTHPARTS OF SOME MOSQUITO LARVAE,

Homologies of the parts of the maxilla and the labium of mosquito larvae were studied. The name cardobasistipes is proposed for the triangular sclerite lateroposterior of the maxilla, previously known as the cardo or the palpifer. The numbers of serrations on the prementum and submentum were found to be of taxonomic value. The sequence of mouthpart movements of filter feeding and browsing species, and the progress of food particles from the feeding current into the mouth were observed. Differences in stiffness were found among the setae in different positions on the mouthparts. These differences were confirmed by staining the cuticle with Mallorys triple stain and are correlated with the functions of the setae during feeding. Flexible serrations at the tips of the labral brush hairs are used for raking food particles in most of the browsing species of Aedes and Culiseta studied. When in pond water neither the browsing nor the filter feeding larvae select the type of food they ingest. Feeding behavior of the predatory larvae of Chaoborus americanus Johannsen and Mochlonyx velutinus Ruthe was observed. Author