43 



and 16). The eyes, which, as implied by the generic name, are 

 golden green in life, are marked with conspicuous purplish spots 

 and streaks, presenting useful specific characters,* unfortunately 

 indistinguishable in dried specimens. 



The females of the genus Ghrysops attack human beings as well 

 as domestic and other animals ; they are often extremely blood- 

 thirsty, and are capable of inflicting a severe bite. With reference 

 to Chrysops dimidiata, v. d. Wulp, and Ch. silacea, Austen, as met 

 with by him in Southern Nigeria, Mr. G. C. Dudgeon, a competent 

 observer, writes as follows f : " The effects from a bite of C. 

 dimidiatus [Chrysops dimidiata, v. d. Wulp] were similar to a honey- 

 bee's sting, causing a good deal of pain and inflammation, but from 

 that of the red Chrysops [Ch. silacea, Austen] even more severe, 

 with dropsical-like swelling of the limb and high temperature. 

 My carriers appeared very much afraid of this insect, and hastily 

 dropped their loads when one came near in order to arm themselves 

 with branches to ward off its attack ; this they never troubled to 

 do for other biting flies. Both species mentioned are somewhat 

 similar to Syrphidce (Hover-flies) in appearance, and, as they also 

 hover round the person they intend to attack, their flight is not unlike 

 that of these flies." 



From the observations of Hart and Hine upon 

 Life-history. North American species it would appear that 



the eggs are usually deposited upright in a single 

 layer, " forming an oval or diamond-shaped area," upon the leaves 

 and stems of plants overhanging pools and small lakes. The eggs, 

 which are white when first laid, gradually turn brown or black. 

 The larvce live in water, mud, or the matted and sodden remains 

 of aquatic vegetation. Both larva and pupa are of the usual 

 Tabanid type. The larva may be distinguished from that of 

 Tabanus by the last joint of the antenna being considerably longer 

 than the preceding one, instead of the same length or much shorter. 



* Cf. V. A. E. Daecke's interesting paper, " On the Eye-Coloration of the Genus 

 Chrysops": Entomological News, Vol. XVII., pp. 39-42, PI. I. (1906). 



t Of. G. C. Dudgeon, Journal of .Tropical Medicine, Vol. IX., p. 327, November 1, 

 1906). 



