THE ORDERS OF INSECTS. 31 



The Gnats (Culicida and Chironomidee) are small, delicately 

 formed flies, often with feathery antennae in the males ; and most 

 of their larvae live in water. In the Crane Flies or Daddy Long- 

 legs (Tipulida), the larvae live on the roots of grass and other 



Chironomus Plumosus (Magnified). 



plants, and are often very destructive. The legs of these flies 

 are very long and slender, and break off with the slightest touch. 

 Then wings expand from one to two inches, and are generally 

 transparent, but sometimes variegated with brown. The female 

 may be known by her short, horny ovipositor. 



Syrpkus Grossulariae (Magnified). 



One family of small flies (the Cecidomyiidiz} produces galls in 

 plants, like the Cynipida. 

 The Tabanida are large flies which attack cattle, to which 



