LACE- WING FLIES. 257 



malia (Trichodecies) have three-jointed antennsB. These must 

 not be confounded with the piercing-mouthed lice {Hcemato- 

 pinus). 



Prevention and Treatment. — AH fowls should have "dust- 

 baths," so that they can rid themselves of these pests. Eoad 

 dust and lime or gypsum and a little paraffin make as good a 

 mixture as any. All brood-hens should be dressed around the 

 rump and under the wings with mercurial ointment before being 

 set, and young chicks should be similarly dressed up the neck 

 to kiU the tick-like species (G. Eynsfordii) which stunts their 

 growth so seriously. 



Lace-wing Flies (Hbmerobiidje). 



Lace-wing flies are of much service to us as a natural enemy 

 of plant-lice. They are beautiful Neuroptera, with clear lace- 

 like wings, bright shiny golden 

 eyes, and green or yellowish- 

 green bodies. Some have the 

 power of giving forth a very 

 oiFensive smell when touched. 

 The eggs of the " Golden Eye " 

 are peculiar structures, laid 

 on long stalks (fig. 133, o) 

 in groups upon the imder- 

 side of the leaves of plants C 



and trees. The larvae (a) are Fio. 133.— Lace-wing Ply. 



provided with a powerful J^,^1:%°\X^a)""' ^"''"'''^= "' 

 sickle-shaped pair of jaws, by 



means of which they ravenously devour the Dolphins ; and 

 having sucked out their life-juices, they throw the empty skins 

 over their back to form a protection against the prying eyes- 

 of birds. Beneath this curious Periclean covering the larva 

 pupates. The larvse are often called Aphis Lions. A number 

 of different species exist. 



B 



