THE BREEZE FLIES. 



753 



two distinct regions. The upper region is composed of very- 

 large facets, while the 

 remainder is composed of 

 very small facets. This 

 remarkable arrangement 

 of the facets is found in 

 several other insects. 



There is a genus of 

 Tabanidse called Acantho- 

 mera, or "thorn-legged," 

 because a sharp spike 

 projects from the end of 

 the thigh. They are very 

 large insects, and much 

 resemble the grey flies 

 popularly known as Mil- 

 lers, except that they are 

 much larger. 



The species which is here given is Brazilian. The abdomen 

 is dark brown, and so is the thorax. The latter, however, is 



Fig. 493 — Tabanns hilaris. 

 (Reddish brown.) 



Fig. 494.— Acanthomera Heydenii. 

 (Brown and silver-grey.) 



covered with a coating of silken down, arranged in stripes of 

 silver-grey, black, brown, and white. The eyes are so large 

 that the multitudinous facets of which they are composed are 



3c 



