DIPTERA. — STRATIOMIDE. 531 
The family STRATIOMID® ( fig. 127. 1. Stratiomys splendens) has 
the antenne ( fig. 127.3. antenna of Stratiomys) composed of not 

more than six or seven joints, terminated in many by a style, or seta, 
representing the remaining joints ( jig. 127. 6. ant. of Oxycera, 7. ditto 
of Sargus). In some few (Stratiomys) the style is even obsolete; the 
terminal joints, five or six in number, in such instances forming a long 
fusiform mass. In others, Sargus and Pachygaster, the antennz ap- 
pear only 3-jointed; but the third joint, which is large and oval, or 
subglobose, when carefully examined, exhibits rudimental annuli, more 
or less distinct, indicating the situation of articulations closely sol- 
dered together, and is terminated by a seta (fig. 127.7.). The scu- 
tellum is often spined ; the wings are placed upon the abdomen, when 
at rest; the terminal veins very slender, and arising froma cell placed 
much nearer the centre of the disc of the wings than in the follow- 
ing tribes; the body is generally broad and depressed; the internal 
organs of the mouth are mostly rudimental (fig.127. 2. mouth of 
Stratiomys, having only the labrum and maxillary palpi developed ; the 
latter even are wanting in many). 
These insects, in the perfect state, are generally found upon 
flowers in damp situations. They are mostly prettily coloured, some 
(Sargus) being of beautiful metallic tints; they are fond of sucking 
the sweets of flowers, as well as of basking in the sun on the broad 
and shining leaves of various plants. 
There is considerable diversity in their habits in the preparatory 
states; the larve of some species (Stratiomys and Odontomyia) being 
aquatic, whilst those of Sargus are found under ground ; and Pachy- 
gaster and Cliteliaria Ephippium undergo their transformations in 
MM 2 
