ORDER DIPTERA. 



97 



Several kinds exhibit a metallic coloration, others are black, often 

 more or less varied with white or yellow. 



Family i6, Acanthomeridce. — The AcanthomeridcR are met with 

 principally in America. The typical species, Acajithomera picta, 

 is found in Brazil, and measures more than an inch in length. It 

 used formerly to be largely used in the manufacture of pomade. 



Family 17, TahanidcB. — The Tabanidce. are broad-looking 



fig- 135.— Chrysops Caecutriens (Mag.) 



insects. The larvce. usually live in damp earth. The females of 

 these species live on the blood of animals. 



The best-known species is the Gad Fly Tahanus bovinus), which , 

 measures more than an inch in length, and is particularly trouble- 

 some to cattle in hot weather. It is blackish above, and reddish 

 beneath and on the sides of the abdomen. 



The Clegg Fly {Hcematopota pluvialis) also belongs to this family. 



Fig. 136. — Hsematopoia Piuvialis (Mag.) 



It is a dingy-looking insect with mottled-grey wings, and is some- 

 times very abundant in damp meadows. 



Many other species oiTabanidce^ popularly called '* Breeze Flies," 

 are plentiful in this country. 



Family 18, Leptidce. — These insects are mostly predatory, though 

 many small species are parasitic on animals and other insects. 

 The larva of Verfuilio degeerii lives in sand, and feeds on such 



