THE HORSEFLIES 21 



EXERCISE lOa 



BUFFALO GNATS 

 ORDER DIPTERA, FAMILY SIMULIID^ 



A. The buffalo gnats or black flies are widely distributed; all 

 species are small, the largest less than % inch in length. Any 

 of the common species of Simulium will serve for this study. 

 Specimens mounted in balsam are needed for microscopic study. 



a. Note the humped condition of the thorax, giving the insect 

 a buffalo-like appearance. 



b. The antenna are short and stalky, but Nematoceron in 

 character. 



c. Notice the characteristic venation of the rather large broad 

 wings. The first three longitudinal wing veins are very much 

 stronger than the rest. 



d. Examine the mouthparts carefully. To what subtype to 

 the mouthparts belong? 



Draw the specimen in outline. 



B. If larvae of the buffalo gnats are available examine speci- 

 mens carefully and determine their adaptation to an aquatic 

 habitat. 



Draw a specimen. 



EXERCISE lOb 



THE HORSEFLIES 

 ORDER DIPTERA, FAMILY TABANIDJS 



Anatomical Study. 



With a specimen of Tabanus stygius, Tabanus punctifer or 

 other allied species before you, note the following characteristics, 

 and make drawings of the parts. 



