ArHIDIVOROUS HEMEROBIID.^. 107 



with an obtuse ovipositor. Wings rounded, the upper 

 wings having only one closed costal cell. Tibiae armed 

 with a strong spur ; tarsi hairy and six-jointed. Para- 

 sitic on Aphis amygdali. 



Aphidivorous HEMEROBiiDiE. Plate LXXIV. 



Amongst the insects destructive to the family of 

 Aphides should be noticed several species of the 

 order Neuroptera, which in their winged condition are 

 remarkable for their beauty. Some are also remark- 

 able for their disgusting odour when handled. These 

 four-winged flies, on account of the extreme brilliancy 

 of their eyes, are commonly known as golden eyes. 

 By Curtis the family HemerobiidaB is divided into four 

 genera, of which Ghrysopa contains at least twelve 

 British species, and Hemerohia about thirty. Of the 

 former, perhaps G. perla and G. ahhreviata are the 

 best known. Their predatory habits have been noted 

 by many early writers, amongst whom may be cited 

 Reaumur, who calls the larva3 " Leons des Pucerons,^' 

 partly from their ferocity, and partly from the formid- 

 able mandibles which garnish their mouths, and are 

 somewhat similar to the jaws of the ant-lion Formica 

 leo. 



These Hemerobiidae, or lace-flies, are nocturnal in 

 their habits ; they usually take wing during twilight, 

 and are at night readily lured by a lighted candle. 

 The winged female deposits her eggs, to the number 

 of about thirty, on a single leaf, but she does not 

 restrict herself to the use of any particular plant. 

 Each egg is supported on the summit of a long bristle, 

 the base of which is generally attached to the ribs of 

 the leaf. It is believed that a glutinous spot is first 

 deposited by the tail of the insect. By raising the 

 apex of the abdomen this drop is drawn into a thread, 

 upon the end of which the egg is expelled and fixed. 



