24 DIPTERA OF AUSTRALIA, 



Hob. — In their preparatory states generally inhabiting gall-like 

 excrescences formed by them on certain parts of living plants, but 

 also found in rolled leaves, in decaying wood, under bark, etc. ; 

 perfect insect frequently common in caves and shady places. 



Fam. 2. — sciarid.e (Shade Midges). Chars. Generally small ; 

 antennae moderately long, curved, with cylindrical bead-like joints ; 

 ocelli three ; legs long, slender; the tibiae with or without spurs; 

 wings often dark, their venation approaching that of the last 

 family. 



Hah. — The larvae and pupse found under the bark of logs or 

 felled trees, or at the roots of decaying plants ; the former of one 

 species have received the name of Army- worm (Heerwurm), from 

 the habit of congregating in large numbers and travelling together 

 in a body ; perfect insect generally abundant in forests or well- 

 wooded districts. 



Fam. .3, — MYCETOPHILID^ (Fungus Midges). Chars. Some small, 

 others of very moderate size, and sometimes with beautifully 

 marked wings ; ocelli three or two ; antennae short ; proboscis 

 short; legs long; coxae elongated; tibiae spurred ; wings without 

 discoidal cell ; venation moi-e elaborate than in the two preceding. 



Hah. — The larvae living chiefly upon fimgi, wood detritus, or 

 decaying vegetable matter ; some spin a silken web within which 

 they live ; perfect insect vei-y active, capable of leaping ; found in 

 damp situations. 



Fam. 4. — simulidx (Sand-flies). Containing only one genus. 

 Chars. Individuals of small size ; antennte cylindrical ; ocelli 

 none ; all parts of the mouth fully developed ; legs short ; hind 

 tibiae and first joint of the tarsi broad ; tibiae without spui-s ; 

 wings broad, rather indistinctly veined. 



Hah. Larvae living in the stems of aquatic plants, to which they 

 finally attach cocoons ; perfect insect capable of inflicting painful 

 wounds ; swarming generally in the vicinity of marshy places. 



Fam. 5. — bibionid.e. Clmrs. Moderately sized; body and legs 

 shorter and more robust than in the species of the other families ; 

 antennae short ; ocelli three ; prothorax large ; wings large. 



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