DIPTERA. 



i5 



Fig. 32 represents Tipida oleracea in the different stages of larva, 

 pupa, and perfect insect. 



Other species of small Tipidce. have aquatic larvae very similar to 



Fig. 32,— Daddy Longlegs {Tipula oleracea)^ 



those which we have described. Reaumur remarked that each of 

 these worms is lodged in a thick mass, convex at the top, formed of 

 a transparent and adhesive white jelly. The larvae of the larger 

 Tipidce are not aquatic, but are of different habits, and live under the 

 ground ; all soil which is not frequently turned is suitable to them, 

 but they are to be found especially in low damp meadows. 



Reaumur saw large districts of grassy swamps in Poitou, which, 

 in certain years, furnished very little grass for the cattle, on account 

 of the ravages caused by these larvae. They had also much injured 

 the harvest in the same districts during those years. 



These larvae appear to require no other food than vegetable 

 mould. Their excrements are, in fact, according to Reaumur, 



