DIPTERA. NEMOCERA. 351 



guished from the other families in the group by a 

 transverse seam in the thorax, which is not found in 

 these. 



The body of the female terminates in a sharp-pointed 

 oviduct ; that of the male is abruptly truncated. These, 

 insects, while out of their proper place they are among the 

 most awkward of animals, are interesting as examples of 

 structure peculiarly fitted for an especial purpose. Every- 

 where but at home the Daddy Longlegs is so encumbered 



Fig. 71. 



Daddy Longlegs (Tipula oleracea). 



by his long and unmanageable limbs, that his life seems 

 to be spent in clumsy but successful efforts to leave 

 them behind him on every possible occasion and in every 

 possible place. But the Daddy Longlegs at home is 

 another creature, and is conspicuous as an example of a 

 very singular mode of locomotion. The larvse are sub- 

 terranean, feeding on the roots of grass ; the female, 

 therefore, seeks grassy meadows where to lay her eggs. 

 Her progress among the long blades is quick and easy, 

 the slender-jointed legs curling round and embracing 

 these leaves, so that, except for the body being main- 

 tained in a standing rather than a hanging position, the 



