XXIV. FAMILY 



Fig. 84. Bombylius major, enlarged. After \Vashburn. 



Rather large to small flies; often with abundant, long 

 and delicate hair, rarely with conspicuous bristles. Head 

 as broad as, or narrower than the thorax, often spheri- 

 cal in shape, closely applied to the thorax. Eyes large, 

 often contiguous above in the male, and rarely also in 

 the female. Antennae porrect, usually of moderate length 

 or quite small; third joint simple; style usually small 

 and indistinct, never more than two-jointed, and some- 

 times wholly indistinguishable. Ocelli present. Probos- 

 cis sometimes short, with broad labella; usually project- 

 ing from the oral cavity, sometimes long and slender. 

 Abdomen composed of from six to eight visible segments, 

 slender in a few genera only. Legs moderately long and 

 weak, with short, weak bristles or spines. Pulvilli 



2IO 



