38 



the female bright metallic-blue. The larvae are greyish-buff and 

 flattened with pointed heads, and are frequently found in decay- 

 ing banana stems. 



Family Dolichopodidae. 



This family of graceful little flies is represented by numerous 

 species on these islands, many of which are native and restricted 

 to the forest region. They are of small size, (the largest being 

 considerably less than a house-fly) and possess long and delicate 

 legs. One species is particularly common. The eyes are large 

 and prominent. The thorax and abdomen are of a metallic 

 golden-green, the wings also possess a delicate iridescence. These 

 flies may often be seen resting on low-growing plants and may 

 sometimes be observed to suddenly rush upon some minute in- 

 sect, seizing it in their lance-like mouth appendages and sucking 

 the juices. 



Very little appears to be known about the larvae, they are 

 stated to live in the earth or decomposing vegetation. 



Family Limnohiidae (lesser crane-flies). 



This family of flies is readly recognized by their slender bodies 

 and very long and- slender legs, these very readily becoming de- 

 tached when handled. The larvae are mostly elongate and in- 

 conspicuous in coloring and are frequently found in decaying 

 vegetation. The species on these islands are of no economic im- 

 portance, and owing to their delicate form they are often mis- 

 taken for mosquitoes, but upon examination it will be found that 

 they are utterly devoid of any piercing organs and therefore quite 

 harmless, but since they are frequently confounded with mos- 

 quitoes, the above reference has been made to them. 



Family Syrphidae (hover-flies). 



This is a large family, and are popularly known as "hover- 

 flies" from the characteristic habit of hovering in mid-air and 

 then rapidly darting away. They vary greatly in size and color- 

 ing, the majority, however, are conspicuously marked with light 

 •or vellow bands. 



