ORDER DIPTERA. 



95 



to moths. They mostly feed on fungi and decayed vegetable 

 substances. 



The species of Phleboto?nus are troublesome blood-suckers in 

 the south of Europe. 



Family lo, Tipulidce. — The insects belonging to this group are 

 popularly known as Crane Flies and Daddy-longlegs. They are 

 very abundant. 



The commonest species, Tipida okracea, is a grey species with 

 transparent wings, and exceedingly destructive to corn, roots of 

 grass, etc., and no effectual remedy has hitherto been discovered 

 for preventing their attacks. 



The familiar Winter GnzX {Trichocera htema/is ) htlongs to this 



Fig. 132. — Erioptera Grisea (.Mag.) 



family. It may often be seen, even during the dreary months of 

 December and January, dancing to and fro under the shelter of 

 some hedge or wall. In frosty weather it conceals itself beneath 

 the bark of trees, under leaves, etc. 



Family 11, Dixidce. — This family of gnats frequents damp 

 places in woods, and are therefore designated " Wood Gnats." 

 They may occasionally be seen during the summer time in 

 immense swarms. 



The species of Dixa are reddish, yellow, or black insects 

 generally of small size. 



Family i, Rhyphidce. — The larvce, of most of these insects feed 

 upon decayed vegetable matter. 



