XXI. Family ASILID^F). 



Fig- 75- Pi omacluts vertebratus, natural size. After Washburn. 



Species cf moderate to large size, rarely small ; usu- 

 ally more or less elongate in form, sometimes thickly 

 hairy; always bristly, the bristles sometimes conspicu- 

 ous^ 7 strong; highly predaceous in habit. Head flatten- 

 ed, broad and short, separated from the thorax by a 

 freely movable neck. Front excavated between the eyes, 

 dichoptic in both sexes, the front of the male not narrow- 

 ed. Ocelli present, usually situated upon a rounded 

 tubercle; front with bristles. Antennae porrect, simple, 

 usually composed of three simple joints, the third more 

 or less elongate, and with or without a terminal style or 

 arista, the bristle exceptionally pectinate; sometimes 

 the so-called style is thickened, forming one or two an- 

 tennal joints. Proboscis never markedly elongate; firm 

 and horny, adapted for piercing, directed downward, or 

 downward and forward; labella never fleshy; palpi com- 

 posed of one or two joints. Abdomen composed of eight 



192 



