126 THE GOLD FLY. 



lows, Other birds, fish, and several carnivo- 

 rous insects, the air would be darkened by 

 them. — Dr. Geegory. 



The little Gnat, in beauties, may compare, 

 With all the rival brothers of the air ; 

 Transparent feathers, purple, green, and gold, 

 His wings, small feet, and fringed tail enfold; 

 Four sharpen'd spears, his head with weapons 



arm, 

 And his pearl'd eyes, with liveliest graces charm. 



Browne. 



Chrysis — Gold Fly. 



The mouth of this insect is armed with 

 jaws, but has no proboscis ; the wings lie 

 plain, and the body appears as if gilt, and 

 the extremity armed with a sting. It is 

 beautified with the most splendid colours. 

 The fore part of the head is green and gold, 

 and the hinder of a bright azure. The 

 thorax is azure and green : the abdomen is 

 green and gold before, and of a coppery red 

 behind. This insect inhabits the holes o^ 

 decayed walls.— Dr. Gregory. 



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