346 INSECTS. 



and less Gnat-like insects than the preceding. Their 

 larvae feed, some on the roots of grass, others on dung 

 and dead animal or vegetable matter of various kinds. 

 The Flies have generally three ocelli. 



In the next three families the larvae are chiefly aquatic, 

 and the perfect insects blood-suckers. 



4. Simulidae. This family contains only one genus, 

 and that but few British species perhaps we should be 

 as well satisfied if we might also say but few individuals, 

 for they are a race of tormentors. They are the Sand- 

 flies of Northern latitudes, and the Mosquitoes of some 

 countries, while in others the name Mosquito is given 

 to various species of Culex. In the preparatory states 

 they are aquatic, the larva spinning a cocoon for the 

 purpose, which, however, is but partially enclosed, the 

 fore-part of the pupa being subject to the action of the 

 water. This family is distinguished by the tibia and 

 the first joint of the tarsus being somewhat broad and 

 flattened, 



5. Chironomidte are the Midges an immense family 

 of beautiful but bloodthirsty little creatures. A little, 

 thin, wriggling, red, eel-like Maggot, common in stagnant 

 water, and known as the Bloodworm, is the larva of a 

 common species, Chironomus plumosus, with feathery 

 antennae.* Like the pupa) of the Culicidse, or true 

 Gnats, the aquatic pupae in this family are capable of 

 motion, though less active than the Culicidae. They live 

 at the bottom of the water, rising to the surface when 

 about to change. Some of the larvae form tubes of 



* It is remarked that the feathered antennae, so beautiful (especially 

 in the male) in many of the Nemocera, belong only (or generally) to 

 species with aquatic larvae. 



