THE ORTHOPTERA OP MINNESOTA. 



4-3 



Fig. 16. — Systoechus oreas. — a. larva: 

 b. head from side; c. head from front; 

 d. preanal spiracle. (After Riley). 



Systoechus oreas. — Female fly. (After Riley). 



long proboscis from the vari- 

 ous species of composite flow- 

 ers. This proboscis can be 

 used for other purposes than 

 sipping nectar, as the writer 

 found out to his sorrow, when 

 he attempted to catch some of 

 them with his hand, and suc- 

 ceeded. Violent pain, a swol- 

 len finger, and added knowl- 

 edge were other results of the catch not bargained for. 

 Early in August these flies are exceedingly numerous, hover- 

 ing in the air and keeping their wings in such rapid motion 

 that they can not be distinguished, but appear like a haze 

 surrounding the body of the insects; when disturbed these flies 

 v^ill dart away with wonderful speed, to remain again sta- 

 tionary in the air inanotherspot. These bee-flies, although 

 possessing a blackish-gray ground color, are so densely cov- 

 ered with pale yellow hairs, that this color is entirely hidden; 

 this hair is so long that the outlines of the insects are obscured, 

 and they resemble on this account ver^^ small bumble-bees. 



The eggs and method of oviposition are not known. 

 The larvae are found among the egg-masses of the locusts; 

 they have curved bodies, swollen in front and tapering be- 

 hind ; their color is opaque white with t>ranslucent yellowish 



