Marshall. — On Neiv Zealand Diptera. 221 



Much more active than the insects of the last family. The 

 larvae of some species have got tlie name of " army- worm " 

 in Europe, from their habit of travelling together in large 

 numbers. Represented by a large number of species in New 

 Zealand. 



Family 3. MyceiopJiilida (Fungus Gnats). — Size, small to 

 moderate ; usually rather robust. Ocelli, three or two. 

 Antennas short. Proboscis short. Legs rather long ; coxae 

 elongated; tibige spurred. \Yiugs often shaded, and some- 

 times pubescent ; without discoidal cell, but neuration more 

 elaborate than in the two preceding families. The majority 

 of the larvae live upon fungi or decaying vegetable matter. 

 Some form a web of slimy material, and are occasionally 

 phosphorescent. Perfect insect very active, and often capable 

 of leaping. Found abundantly in damp and shady situations. 

 Represented by several genera and numerous species in New 

 Zealand. 



Family 4. Si/?i7fZz(r7(« (Sandflies). — Size small. Body black, 

 thick, and short. Antennae cylindrical, short. Ocelli, none. 

 All parts of the body fully developed. Legs short ; hind 

 tibijE and first joint of the tarsus broad ; tibiae without spurs. 

 Wings broad, abundantly but rather obscurely veined. The 

 larvae live in clear water, becoming fixed to plants when about 

 to transform into pupae. Perfect insect capable of inflicting 

 severe wound. Found abundantly in all regions where there 

 is clear or running water. The family contains only one genus, 

 which is well represented in New Zealand. 



Family 5. (Sz6io;izd(s).— Moderate or small size. More 

 robust than the preceding families. Antennae short. Ocelli, 

 three. Prothorax large. Wings large, but rather obscurely 

 veined. Larvae found on the ground or in dung. Perfect 

 insects with a sluggish flight. Common on flowers. Very 

 probably an archaic type. 



Family 6. Blepharoceridce. — Small. Antennge long and 

 slender. Eyes alike in both sexes. Ocelli, three. Legs 

 long; coxae short ; posterior tibiae generally with strong spurs. 

 Wings broad and long, in neuration approaching the Myceto- 

 philidcB. Skuse says very little is known of these species. I 

 have not yet captured any specimens. 



Family 7. Culicidce (Alosquitoes).— Very slender; mode- 

 rately sized. Antennae moderately long. Mouth-parts of 

 female containing all the organs found in the Diptera. Ocelh, 

 none. Thorax stout. Legs long and slender. Wings slender, 

 usually with scales; veins more than six in number. The 

 larvae are abundant in all stagnant water, in which they move 

 with a peculiar jerking motion. The perfect insects are 

 abundant in low-lying bush districts. The males feed on 

 vegetable matter, especially honey. The females are capable 



