98 



HANDBOOK OF ANTS, BEES, ETC. 



insects as fall in its way. Those of the genus Leptis are parasitic 

 on cockchafers and other large beetles. 



Family 19, Asilidcs. — The Asilidce. or Hawk Flies are a family 

 of considerable extent, and include many very large and conspicuous 

 insects. They feed on other insects, and are very courageous, some- 

 times attacking even dragon flies. One of the most common 



Fig. 1J7.— Vermilio Degeerii (Mag.) 



species is Asilus crabroniformis, which is common in the south ot 



England. 



Family 20, J//^^/^^.— These are large insects resembling the 

 Asilidce in their habits, and are nearly all tropical. A few species, 

 however, inhabit the south of Europe. 



Fig. 138.— Chrybop-la Atrata (Mag.) 



Midas giganteus is found in Brazil and adjacent countries in 

 tropical America. It measures about one inch and a half in 

 length. 



Family 21, NemestriiiidcB. — These insects are chiefly inhabit- 

 ants of tropical cUmates like the preceding family. They are 

 generally of a black colour, sometimes with red legs. They suck 



