The Crane-Flies of New York — Part II 781 



The cuiious larvae of Bittacomorphella were here found associated 

 with the following crane-fly larvae and pupae: Dia-anomyia stulta, 

 Limnophila adusta, L. (Dicranophragma) fuscovaria, Ulomorpha pilosella, 

 Penthoptera, MolophiJus hirtipenm's, Erioptera megophthalma, Ormosia 

 innocens, 0. nigripila, Tipula collaris, T. oropezoides, T. cayuga, and 

 others. In addition numerous other natural associates were found, such 

 as the larvae of a carabid beetle, Nehria sahJbergi Fisch., sow bugs, mollusks, 

 and a great variety of other organisms. On July 10, 1914, adults of 

 Bittacomorphella were not uncommon in the same association, at which 

 time they were flying with other crane-flies such as Dicranoptycha germana, 

 Molophilus hirtipemiis, M. puhipennis, Erioptera vespertina, E. venusta, 

 and Gonomyia blanda. 



The first larvae of Bittacomorphella were found on May 11, and at 

 that time were almost fully grown. They present a very remarkable 

 appearance, being black or very dark in color and covered with numerous 

 long projections. The breathing tube, which is capable of entire retraction 

 within the body, is very short, and is light yellow, in contrast with the 

 remainder of the body. The larvae are, as a rule, very slow and sluggish 

 in their movements, but when disturbed they become more active. Large 

 and small larvae, of two distinct sizes only, were often found in the same 

 situations at the same time. A fully grown larva was placed in rearing 

 on June 11, 1917, and emerged as an adult male on June 24. This pro- 

 vides for a pupal duration of not more than thirteen days, but the pupal 

 stage is undoubtedly much shorter. 



Larva. — Total length, 15-17 mm. 



Length exclusive of breathing tube, 12.5-14 mm. 



Length of breathing tube, 2.4-3 mm. ; to base of gills, L3-L8 mm.; beyond 



gills, Ll-1.2mm. 

 Greatest diameter across body, L7-2 mm. 



Coloration dark brown to almost black, breathing tube light yellowish; in young indi- 

 viduals and occasional older specimens, coloration more rusty. 



Body short, stout, cylindrical but appearing depressed, covered with numerous elongate 

 projections. Breathing tube very short and capable of complete retraction within body 

 (Plate XVI, 25). Body appearing proportionately broader, and tapering more abruptly to 

 breathing tube, than in other species of the family herein discussed, this appearance being 

 due to great length of lateral body projections. 



The most notable single feature of larva consisting of the numerous projections from 

 body (Plate XVH, 33), these being incased in a blackened, horny substance which is some- 

 what brittle. Usual shape of body extensions cylindrical, slender, and generally simple 



