FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 529 



The true flies, or Diptera as they are known to entomologists, comprise only 

 those insects which have two membranous wings and a pair of what are believed to 

 be modified wings, which are known as halteres or balancers. This order contains a 

 very large number of insects, but for the present we are concerned only with those 

 v/hich are aquatic during a portion of their existence. 



Crane flies, or TipulidcE, were very abundant about Saranac Inn, and while no 

 special attempt was made to identify the few specimens collected, the larv?e of the 

 giant Tipula abdoininalis Say was determined by Dr. Needham as it is the only com- 

 mon one which could produce the large adult which was caught so frequently about 

 the hatchery during August. 



Mosquitoes, or CulicidcE, were present at Saranac Inn in considerable numbers, 

 but so much time was given to the other orders of insects that they received com- 

 paratively little attention, although a few species were bred. 



The midges, or Cliironouiid(S, were also abundant at Saranac Inn, one of the 

 most common forms being the harmless Sinmlium vcnustinn Say. An undeter- 

 mined Siuiiiliuin was found by the writer August 24 in large numbers. It was very 

 annoying about Axton to both man and beast. It Avas in all probability Siniuliuni 

 invemistiim Walk. 



Horse flies, or Tabaiiidce, were also very numerous at Saranac Inn and their larvae 

 were found abundant in the semi-stagnant waters in which they live. No attempt 

 was made to rear them. 



Soldier flies, or Stratioinyiidce, were taken in small numbers. Two very interest- 

 ing species were studied and the larvae of the larger and handsomer one, Sti-atiouiyia 

 badiiis Walk., were obtained and described by Dr. Needham. This fine soldier fly 

 was not uncommon on Golden Rod along the railroad track east of the Saranac 

 Inn station during August. It was associated with the wasp mimicking Conopid, 

 PliysocepJiala fiircillata Will. One of the smaller members of the family was found 

 by Mr. D. W. Coquillett to represent a new genus and species, and it was described 

 and named by him as Zabracliia polita. 



Einpididce. A new genus and species belonging to this family was found in its 

 immature stage in rapids associated with Simuliuni vennstiiin Say and was reared. 

 The larvae and pupae of this species, Rocderiodcs jtincta Coq., were discovered first, 

 the former crawling among the pupal cases of Sinmliinii and the latter usually rest- 

 ing within an abandoned Siniuliuni pupal case. The flies were found clinging in 

 companies to the under side of pieces of board which rested just above the level of 

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