178 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 



much longer than the two first, with a seta or bristle, often 

 feathered ; palpi filiform ; wings distant. 



MUSCA DOMESTICA. Common My. In this well-known 

 species the antennae are black, with a long terminal joint and 

 bearded seta; the eyes brown; the fore part of the head 

 white, and the remainder black; the thorax and body 

 blackish above, and pale yellowish-brown underneath. 



MUSCA VOMITOEIA. Blue-lottle My. Head yellowish, 

 with brown eyes; the thorax black, and the thick short 

 body of a deep brilliant blue, whence its common name ; the 

 young are deposited in the form of eggs, which are hatched 

 in the course of two hours. 



MUSCA CAUNAEIA. Blow Fly. Head yellow, the eyes 

 reddish ; antennae plumose ; the thorax is grey, and has 

 four white lines ; the body black, shining, and spotted with 

 white. This last-mentioned species is very troublesome, from 

 the constant endeavour to deposit its offspring on our animal 

 food ; but this propensity also renders it of great service, 

 in consuming dead and decaying animal matter. In order 

 to facilitate the discharge of this office, the Almighty 

 Creator has endowed the females with the power of hatching 

 their young in their own bodies, that they may be imme- 

 diately ready to fulfil the important duty assigned them. 



