DIPTEEA OF AUSTRALIA. 
By Frederick A. A. Skuse. / 
Part III.— THE MY^CETOPHILIDJE. 
(Plates xxxi, xxxii.) 
The Australian species of Mycetophilidse already recoi’ded 
amount only to the insignificant total of four, referable to as 
many different genera ; these species were described about 
thirty-two years ago by Francis Walker in Vol. I. of “ Insecta 
Saundersiana f since that time our indigenous “ fungus- 
midges ” have enjoyed a period comparatively free from 
molestation, except that in certain localities, where insect-life 
once held an undisputed dominion, the ruthless hand of man has 
visited and laid bare large tracts of country once replete with 
native vegetation which afforded sustenance for legion.s. 
Altogether I have discriminated thirty-one species, but for 
seventeen of these I have been compelled to create nine distinct 
new genera, chiefly on account of the venation of the wings, but 
also because of peculiarities in the structure of the antennae and 
jjalpi, and in some instances in the character of the legs ; three of 
my new genera have eleven species distriljuted between them, 
and the remaining six have been formed for the reception of 
single species, all of which I consider warrant the innovation. 
Some of these newly-discovered forms appear from their external 
characters to have a close relationship to old-established genera : 
but were the scope of these in any instance enlarged, the question 
might arise, whether by treating a large number of other genera 
in the same way the tobil might not be consideral)ly lessened ; 
tiiough by doing so the determination of the contained species 
