ORDER DIPTERA. 



10 f 



They 

 They 



including a considerable number of genera and species, 

 are usually small flies often of brilliant metaUic colouring. 

 may be found generally in the neighbourhood of water. 



Family 28, Lonchopteridcz. — The species of LonchopieridcR are 

 small yellowish-brown or greenish flies with lanceolate wings. 



Fig. 143.— Scenopinus Fenestralis (Mag.) 



They frequent the banks of shady streams, and are often found 

 resting on wet stones. 



Family 29, Syrphidce. — The majority of flies belonging to this 

 family are of a moderate size, and possessed of brilliant colours. 

 With the exception of the enormous family Miiscidce, they are one 

 of the largest families of the Diptera. 



Most of the species may be recognised at once by their pecu- 



i ^ \ 



Fig. 144. — Syrphus Ribesii (Mag.) 



liar mode of flight, for they hover motionless in the air, and if 

 alarmed dart off" with a rapid motion which the eye cannot follow. 



Milesia Crabroniformis is a very large species common in the 

 south of Europe. 



About thirty species are found in the British Isles. Of these 

 Syrphus pyrastri is perhaps the best-known example. It is a very 



