132 FLIES. 



they hover over and lap up the sweet juices of the 

 flowers. 



The disguises worn by many species of flies, 

 for protection, are very interesting to consider. 

 The members of the family syrphidce have taken 

 to the ways of the bees and wasps, in color of 

 dress and manner of flight, and are the gayest 

 uniformed soldiers in the army of the diptera. 

 Watch this species on a flower, its wings extended 

 ready to dart away like an electric spark ; its 

 purple eyes so large that they touch on the top of 

 the crown, in gorgeous contrast to the rich golden 

 front and antennae, the short, oval joints of which 

 droop over its visor, like gilded tassels. Look at 

 the burnished corslet, the yellow legs, and striped 

 body that throbs and palpitates and appears to 

 make ready to stab you at the least provocation ; 

 but it has no rapier, and you need not be alarmed. 

 It is only skillfully acting the part of the "yellow 

 jacket," without the weapons. What is it that 

 gives this insect such bright colors and sends it 

 out to assume the character of the hornet .■' Nat- 

 ural selection, answer the scientists ; that the fly 

 may be guarded against the attacks of its various 

 enemies. The wasp devours many species of the 

 diptera, but coming upon this, and other kinds 

 that mimic it so faithfully, it would be likely to be 

 deceived, and therefore passes them by unharmed. 

 Many of the birds have respect for the armed 



