BIPTERA (two-winged FLIES), 



69 



BOMBYLIUS DISCOLOR. 



ASILUS CRABRONIFORMIS 



TABASIIS BOVINL'S. 



MESKMbRINA MEKIDIANA. 



''Bomhylidce (Humble-Bee-flies, etc.). — 

 The species of the Anthracinse branch of this 

 family are generally to be found hovering 

 in the hottest sunshine over bare spots on 

 heaths, seashores, etc. The Bombylinse, on 

 the other hand, affect flowers— e.,.7. primroses, 

 Potentilla, etc. At Aden Bomhylius analis 

 was found hovering over the flowers of the 

 garden turnip run wild, and probably other 

 Cruciferai will be found attractive. 



'' Asilidm (Robber-flies) affect many 

 and varied situations. Roads, bare sandy 

 places, etc., are attractive to some 

 species ; others Fit on tree trunks, stones, 

 and telegraph posts and wires. Others, 

 again, prefer dry sticks and branches near 

 the ground ; while the species of Davfialis 

 and some few other genera love to sit on 

 bare twigs at about the height of one's eye. 

 " Tabanidte (Horse-flies) are often 

 to be seen flying round living animals ; 

 but few are to be caught in this 

 situation, most of the species of this 

 family being taken flying round 

 oneself or one's companions. A 

 few may be caught sitting on tree 

 trunks, leaves, walls, etc., and a few 

 males taken hovering like Syrphidce 

 in the air. 

 Muscidce Calypteratce may be met with m 

 most situations. The species of many genera 

 {Idia in particular) love flowers ; others, again 

 {Lucilia, Calliphora, Folietes, etc.), are to be 

 found round ordure and carrion. Mesemhrina 

 and Eutilia, in company with many species of 

 Anthomyinse and Tachinidce, love to sit on tree 

 trunks, and prefer the sunny side. 



