harmony reigns through Nature, I have little doubt that analogous 

 parts to those of the Diptera, varying in their modifications, will be 

 found to bear me out in my observations. The proboscis comprises 

 a labrum, tongue, and a corneous instead of a fleshy lip : the men- 

 turn is very large (protecting and concealing two thirds of the pro- 

 boscis), with valves projecting behind, which I have called maxillae. 

 Latreille suspected they might be palpi, and they have been con- 

 sidered by other authors as mandibles; but I know of no instance 

 in which palpi are rigid and solid : and where mandibles are de- 

 veloped in the Diptera, they are lancet-shaped, to enable the insect 

 more effectually to inflict a wound to obtain nourishment ; whereas 

 these lobes are not only obtuse, but furnished with strong bristles, 

 which would render them very unfit for such purposes. 



Quadrupeds and birds are the habitations of the Omaloptera, upon 

 whose blood they subsist, and amongst whose wool and feathers many 

 of them secrete themselves so effectually, that it is almost impossible 

 to detect them until some time after the death of the animal : when 

 the blood becomes cold, they may be seen running in every direc- 



tion. ... « 



The unique and nondescript species figured was taken off the m 

 clothes of Mr. J. Chant in the New Forest, about the middle of * 



September 1822, by Mr. Samouelle, whose " Introduction to the 

 Knowledge of British Insects" has contributed so much towards the 

 advancement of Entomology in this country; it havmg been ren- 

 dered more generally useful by being written in our own language. 



Caucalis {Torilis) Anthriscus (Hedge Hen's-foot, or Red Hedge- 

 parsley) accompanies the insect in the plate. 



A 



