DIPTERA. 



35 



the slenderness of the body, the smallness of the head, the shape of 

 the thorax, and the length of the feet and wings. The result of this 

 organisation is a graceful, hght, and aerial form 



Nemocera. 



Abounding everywhere, the Nemocera live, some on the blood of 

 man and animals, some on small insects, and others on the juices of 

 -fragrant flowers. From j'^mo, thread ; Kipa.%, horn. 



In all climates, in every latitude, in the fields and woods, even in 

 - our dwellings, they may be seen fluttering and plundering. The 

 Nemocera are divided into two families, that of the Culicidce, of which 

 the gnat ( Cukx), which has a long, thin trunk, and a sucker provided 

 with six bristles, is a member ; and that of the Tipulidce, which have 

 a short thick trunk, and a sucker having two bristles. 



We will begin our examination with the Gnat ( Cukx pipiens), of 



Figs. 19 and 20.— The Gnat {CtUex pipiens). 



which Reaumur, in his "Memoires pour servir a I'Histoire des 

 Insectes," has given such a curious and complete history. '' The gnat 

 is our declared enemy/' says Reaumur, in the introduction to his 

 memoir, " and a very troublesome enemy it is. However, it is well 

 to make its acquaintance, for if we pay a little attention we shall be 

 forced to admire it, and even to admire the instrument with which it 

 wounds us. Besides which, throughout the whole course of its life it 

 offers most interesting matter of investigation to those who are curious 



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