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FAMILY DEXIIDiE. 



(Metallic Green Flies, Nimble Flies.) 



The bristle of the antenna of these flies is plumed 

 right to the tip, and this is the main distinction 

 from some of the other families of this group. 

 Bristles are present on the dorsal side of the body, 

 and this and their larger size serve to distinguish 

 them from house flies (in the next family). Some 

 of these flies are very - handsome. The legs are 

 strong and the eyes large. They parasitise the 

 larvse of lamellicorn beetles. The larvae pupate in 

 the seed-like puparium or cocoon. Rntilia is one 

 of the commonest of these flies. We have captured 

 Rutilia on some of the honey-beai-ing bush flowers, 

 such as tea tree. 



