106 



DIPTERA. 



\\^f^^ 



The family of Scenopinidw contains a few small black 

 flies of sluggish habits ; they are found on leaves oi 

 plants, and on windows, especially of stables. 



The Stratiomidw or Soldier-flies have bodies rather 

 flat, of large, middle, or small size ; they inhabit 

 flowers, leaves, meadow and water 

 plants ; the larvse are aquatic or live 

 in decomposing matter ; there are 

 several species, but I shall mention two 

 only, the Stratiomys Chameleo and the 

 Sargus cuprarius. The former is prettily 

 marked in spots and bands, black and 

 yellow. These insects fly with great 

 rapidity, but not far, quickly return- 

 ing to the spot whence tliey took wdng ; 

 they delight in hot sunsliine. The meta- 

 morphosis of Stratiomys chameleo has 

 been often observed. The eggs are de- 

 posited on the underside of the leaves of 

 the water plantain (Alisma Plantago) ; 

 like those of the alder-fly, they are 

 Larva OF Stratiomys pj.g^|.-|„ arranged I one cs^sj partly covers 



CHAM(ELEON(mag.) ^ ^. ^^ ,., ^-^ '., .' . n . 



another, like the tiles on a root ; at nrst 

 they are white, then green, then olive green. The larva 

 is of singular form, elongated and without feet. At 

 the extremity of the abdomen there is a spiracle sur- 

 rounded with a coronet of hairs ; by this radiated ex- 

 tremity the larva often remains at the surface of the 

 water, head downwards. These hairs can be closed up^ 

 so as to retain an air-bubble, which the larva, when it 

 is has occasion to sink, carries down with it, and by 

 which it again becomes buoyant when it wishes to 



