94 A BOOK OF INSECTS 



Sub-Order 2. — Cyclorrhaplia. 



In this sub-order the larva is a maggot without a 

 distinct head- capsule, while the anterior end of the 

 puparium is pushed open like a circular lid when the 

 perfect insect escapes. The tlies have short, three seg- 

 mented antenna?, the third segment, which is much the 

 largest, bearing a long bristle. 



The hover-flies (Syrphidce) are a very large and im- 

 portant family. Many of them resemble wasps and bees 

 to a remarkable degree. The perfect insects feed chiefly 

 upon pollen, but the larva? of many species prey upon 

 aphides, while others live in fungi or refuse. The Cono- 

 pidce are another family of brightly coloured wasp-like 

 flies which, in their larval state, are parasitic upon 

 Hymenopterous insects. 



The bot-flies (CEstridce) are hairy, bee-like insects 

 whose mouth-parts are quite obsolete. Their larva? live 

 as parasites in the bodies of large animals. Some species 

 inhabit the nasal cavities, others the food-canal, while 

 others — like the warble-flies (Hypoderma) — live just 

 beneath the skin of their host. The pupa state, however, 

 is always passed in the ground. 



The enormous family Muscklce includes many well- 

 known forms, of which the common house-fly (Musca 

 domestica) is typical. It has been split up into several 

 groups, or sub-families. One of these includes the bristly 

 Tachinid flies (Tachinhice), whose larvae are parasitic upon 

 caterpillars ; another, the grey flesh-flies (Sarcophagince) ; 

 while a third comprises the house-flies, blow-flies, and 

 their near allies (Muscince). The common grey flesh-fly 

 {Sarcophaga carnaria) is viviparous — as are many of its 

 congeners. The larva? are produced alive, and placed by 

 the parent upon suitable food. Among the Muscidce, 



