xiv] 



DESCRIPTION 



227 



sharply pointed and the maxillae have serrate edges. The 

 palpi are distinct and two-jointed; the terminal joint is 

 inflated and hangs in front on each side of the proboscis. The 

 thorax and abdomen are clothed with fine hairs, never with 

 bristles, and are often striped or marked with dull colours. 

 The abdomen is broad, never constricted at the base, and com- 

 posed of seven visible segments. The legs are stout and the 

 tibiae sometimes dilated ; the pulvilli and empodia are in the 

 form of large membraneous plates. The venation of the wings 

 is very constant ; the third and fourth longitudinals are forked, 

 so that two marginal and five posterior cells are always present ; 

 the basal cells are large and the anal cells usually closed. The 

 marginal or costal vein encompasses the entire wing (Fig. 5). 

 The squamae are large. 



Fig. 59. Tabanus kingi Austen. ? ( X 3)- (After Austen.) 



Habitat. The members of this family are widely distributed 

 throughout the world and about 1800 different species have 

 already been described. They are especially evident on clear 

 warm days, as soon as the sun has warmed the air, and are 

 usually most active towards midday, but near Sedbergh, York- 

 shire, the writer has been badly bitten by Hcsmatopota in the 

 early mornings. 



15—2 



