36 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



TWO FLIES OF THE GENUS TACHYDROMIA 

 NEW TO THE BRITISH LIST. 



By A. E. J. Carter. 



The genus Tachydromia is a rather difficult group to 

 study, containing as it does a large number of species, some 

 of which are not well differentiated all being small and 

 somewhat obscure insects. About 140 species are known 

 from the Palaearctic region alone. The two species now 

 brought forward were taken by my friend the Rev. James 

 Waterston, some years ago. They are easily identified from 

 Schiner {Fauna A/tstriaca), and agree in all respects with 

 the careful descriptions given by Lundbeck (Diptera 

 Danica, 19 10). 



Tachydromia annuities, Mg. 



A male of this species occurred at Aberlady on 7th June 1904. 

 So far as I can ascertain the species is not common in Europe, 

 though it is widely distributed, occurring, according to Lundbeck, 

 from Southern Sweden down to Italy. I do not think it can be 

 confused with any British member of the genus, as the leg characters 

 are decisive. 



Basal joints of antennae yellow. Thorax yellow dusted ; abdomen 

 shining black. The legs are yellow, with the fore coxa? and femora 

 (except the apex of the latter) deep shining black, and the fore tarsi 

 are conspicuously annulated with broad black rings, which on the 

 middle joints occupy the whole of the apical half: the mid and hind 

 legs have much smaller and lighter tarsal rings. Size about 3 mm. 



The female is not known with certainty. 



Tachydromia major, Zett. 



A female of this fine species was taken at Loch Tay on 2nd July 

 1904. It is about the largest species in the genus, and appears to 

 be somewhat more common than the preceding, and with a wider 

 distribution. 



The antenna? are entirely yellow, with the arista dark. Thorax 

 grey dusted, showing two faint lines on the dorsum. Abdomen 

 black, with grey side-bands on the front segments. Legs pale 



