50 EREMOCH^TA 



second. My reasons fur this are the evident gradations through Berk 

 and Xylomyia to Xylophagus and Cmnomyia, though 1 can appreciate 

 the opinion that the annulated third antennal joint and the soft 

 pubescence of the Tabanidce show closer alliance to the Stratiomyidce ; 

 I am however inclined to place the annulations of the third antennal 

 joint of the Tabanidce as only the commencement of the jointed style 

 which subsequently prevails. The Acanthomcridoi also are obviously 

 intermediate between the Stratiomyidce and Leptidoe and may lead on to 

 the Tahanidce. The presence of " touch-hairs " beneath the front tarsi of 

 the Lejptidce and Tahanidce show affinity, as may also the biting habits of 

 some species of Sym'phoroniyia, and then the spurred tibife of the Le'ptidm 

 would lead on to the Pangonincc, though others may see closer relationships 

 between Atherix and Chrysops. There may be stepping-stones, though I 

 write with little confidence, from the Tabanidce through the long proboscis 

 of the Pangonince to the Nemestrinidce, and then the superfamily would 

 end with the Gyrtidce, from which " Natura non facit saltum " to such 

 tromopterous Bombylidm as the bare humpbacked Glabellvda, Platyiiygus, 

 etc. 



Short characters for the distinction of the families are given in the 

 tables on pages 11 to 30, and fuller details and comparisons are given 

 under the characteristics of each family. 



