DIPTERA. BRACHYCERA. 359 



in the spring, and may be met with on any plant fre- 

 quented by other insects. 



Another insect, not common, but never to be forgotten 

 when once seen, even though but slightly magnified, is 

 the Hhamphomyia pennata, a little black Fly, the male 

 of which is rendered noticeable even to the naked eye by 

 the apparent thickness of the legs. These on being 

 magnified are seen to be most beautifully feathered, or 

 fringed throughout their whole length, by broad, flat, 

 striated scales or hairs. The decoration of the female is 

 much more insignificant. 



Another, and much more common Fly in this family is 

 the little Hilara, the males of which may often be re- 

 cognised by the inflated appearance of the first joint of 

 the tarsus (metatarsus), which is nearly globular. This 

 insect abounds in gardens. 



Some of the Empidse are found hovering in swarms, 

 like Gnats, over water. The family contains many 

 genera and many species. 



Dolichopida3 also, the tenth family of Brachycera, 

 contains a large number of genera and species. The 

 Dolichopida3 are small bright Flies, generally with a 

 metallic lustre and colouring, very brisk and joyous in 

 their movements, especially in running, and, like most 

 very active insects, predaceous in their habits. Many 

 species in this family are found near water, and even on 

 its surface, upon which they run actively in search of 

 prey. The larvas are, however, supposed to be terrestrial, 

 and it is probably the insects abundant in such situations 

 which make them attractive to the Flies. 



The remaining three families of Flies with naked pupae 

 contain few species, and their habits are not very re- 

 markable. 



