DIPTERA. 



45 



Fig. 32 represents Tipiila olcracea in the difterent stages of lar\-a, 

 pupa, and perfect insect. 



Other species of small Tipiilte have aquatic larvae very similar to 







Fig. 32.- Daddy Longlegs {Ti/>nla oleracca) 



those which we have described. Re'aumur remarked that each of 

 these worms is lodged in a thick mass, convex at the top, formed of 

 a transparent and adhesive white jelly. The larvae of the larger 

 Tipulce are not aquatic, but are of different habits, and live under the 

 ground ; all soil which is not frequently turned is suitable to them, 

 but they are to be found especially in low damp meadows. 



Re'aumur saw large districts of grassy swamps in Poictou, which, 

 n certain years, furnished very little grass for the cattle, on account 

 )f the ravages caused by these larvae. They had also much injured 

 the harvest in the same districts during those years. 



These larv^ appear to require no other food than vegetable 

 mould. Their excrements are, in fact, according to Reaumur, 



