354 INSECTS. 



In the eleven following families the pupa sheds tne 

 larva skin. 



In the four last families the pupa remains within the 

 larva skin, which shrinks and hardens into an even, 

 somewhat eggshell-like or cocoon-like covering for the 

 pupa. 



The antennae in the first two groups are generally long 

 in proportion to their bulk (PI. XIV., figs. 2 a, 4 a) \ or,- if 

 short and thick, have a terminal bristle (figs. 3 a, 6 a). In 

 the third group they are generally short, and have the last 

 joint much the most bulky, and garnished with a bristle 

 springing from its upper side (PL XV., fig. 4 a ; XVI., 

 figs. 3 a, 5 a). 



The family Stratiomidae contains the Soldier-flies 

 (PL XIV., fig. 2, Stratiomys chameleon), large or middle- 

 sized and somewhat broad-bodied insects, very prettily 

 marked in spots, streaks, and triangles, and of bright 

 colours black variegated with red, yellow, orange, or 

 white. The hinder part of the thorax is generally 

 armed with spines ; in the genus Stratiomys there are 

 two ; in other genera the number varies one, Beris, 

 having in some species as many as eight. The feet have 

 three pads. 



The larvae in this family are chiefly aquatic some, 

 however, being terrestrial and feeding on decomposing 

 matter. The perfect insects haunt flowers, of which 

 they suck the juices. In some genera, as Sargus, the 

 Flies are more slender in form, and of beautiful metallic 

 colouring. Sargus cuprarius (PL XIV., fig. 3) is a 

 common and beautiful insect, with golden-green head 

 and thorax, and an abdomen lustrous with the purple 

 and gold of the Copper ore called " Peacock." The 

 larvae of these live in the earth. 



