TIPULA. 
376 
miliar than the elegant species called by Linnaeus 
Tipula phalcenoides. This minute fly is very fre- 
quently observed in great numbers on windows 
during the decline of summer, appearing princi- 
pally in the evening. It has so little the appear- 
ance of a genuine Tipula, that it would hardly be 
considered as belonging to this genus by a com- 
mon spectator. Its general length is about the 
tenth of an inch, and the wings, which are very 
large in proportion to the insect, are of an oval 
shape, and of a grey colour, elegantly mottled 
or variegated with dusky specks: the edges are 
deeply fringed with hair, and the nerves beset 
with oblong scales or feathers, and the whole in- 
sect, microscopically examined, exhibits a highly 
elegant appearance. 
Tipula hirta so much resembles the last, that it 
might perhaps be rather considered as a variety 
or sexual difference than truly distinct; it is how- 
ever a trifle larger and of a darker colour. There 
can be little doubt that the Larvae of these minute 
species are aquatic, but they seem to be hitherto 
undescribed. 
