THE INSECT WORLD. 



531 



and the wings are narrow, so that the insect is awkward in ap- 

 pearance, as well at rest as in its flight, which is slow and heavy. 

 The flies are most frequently seen in low, rank meadows, or 

 along ditches or sluggish streams, flying preferably during the 

 morning and late afternoon hours. The larvae are slender, cylin- 



FiG. 380. 



A crane-fly, Pachyrrhina species. 



drical, somewhat worm-like, of an extremely tough, leathery 

 texture, and live underground on the roots of grasses, or in de- 

 caying wood. In Europe they are known as " wire-worms," 

 and are often seriously injurious ; but in North America none of 

 the species have as yet proved very troublesome. It is probable 

 that intelligent farm practice will be sufficient to control any of 

 the species likely to become injurious with us. 



