1894.] Courtship Among the Flies. 37 
the purpose of which is not immediately perceptible, as the 
flattened hairs could not possibly serve to grasp the female. 
I have now observed the pairing of these insects, and am con- 
vinced that the structure serves as an actual ornament to the 
male, like the highly developed tail-feathers, etc., of a male 
bird. The male came flying up, and hovered for a time so 
close over the quietly-resting female that the fringed tarsi 
hung down immediately before her eyes. After some time 
copulation was attempted, but the female at once showed un- 
willingness. Only after repeated attempts did he succeed in 
gaining her acceptance.” 
