XXIV. Family BOM RYLIID.-E. 



Fij<. 84. Bombylius major, enlarged. After Washburn. 



Rather large to small flies; often with abundant, long 

 and delicate hair, rarely with conspicuous bristles. Head 

 as broad as, or narrower than the thorax, often spheri- 

 calin shape, closely applied to the thorax. Eyes large, 

 often contiguous above in the male, and rarely also in 

 the female. Antennae porrect, usually of moderate length 

 or quite small; third joint simple; style usually small 

 and indistinct, never more than two-jointed, and some- 

 times wholly indistinguishable. Ocelli present. Probos- 

 cis sometimes short, with broad labella; usually project- 

 ing from the oral cavity, sometimes long and slender. 

 Abdomen composed of from six to eight visible segments, 

 slender in a few genera only. Legs moderately long and 

 weak, with short, weak bristles or spines. Pulvilli 



2li) 



