109 



cated. The wing expanse is about one-fourth of an inch (5.5-7 mm ), 

 and the length of the body half that (3-3. 5 mm ). 



The eggs are unknown, but they are probably like those of related 

 species, white in color and of oblong shape and exceedingly minute. 



The larva, shown at h, is a delicate threadlike creature, milk-white in 

 color, with a distinct minute jet-black head. The average length is 

 between 6 and 7 mm , the length being about eight or nine times the 

 width, the latter being about 0.8 or 0.9 mm . 



The pupa shown in the illustration at g, ventral view, is free (differ- 

 ing from the pupa of other Diptera in not being incased within its old 

 larval skin). The length is about 3.5 mm , which is about three or four 

 times the width. The color is pale yellowish, with darker wing-pads, 

 and still darker head. The antennae and legs are folded down between 

 the wing-pads, as shown in the illustration. 



Fig. 29.— Sciara ineonstans: a, male fly from above; b, external genital organs of the same; c, female; 

 d, enlarged antennal joints of same; e, maxillary palpus of same; /, tip of abdomen of female from 

 side; g, pupa ventral view; h, larva dorsal view— a, c, g, h, much enlarged; b, d, e,f, more enlarged 

 (original). 



DISTRIBUTION. 



Owing to the difficulty of determination of these minute Myceto- 

 philidas, little is known concerning their distribution. Since the 

 description of Sciara ineonstans at Albany, N. Y., we have learned of 

 a few more localities, a number of which have just been mentioned. 

 The list comprises the following: Ottawa, Canada; Orono, Me.; 

 Jamaica, L. I., N. Y. ; Kennett Square, Pa.; Clementon and Riverton, 

 N. J. (Smith); Washington, D. C; Richmond, Va.; Streator, 111 ; 

 Wooster, Ohio, and Nebraska City, Nebr. 



RECENT REPORTED OCCURRENCES. 



During the past three years Sciara ineonstans Fitch has been reported 

 to be more or less troublesome in different portions of the country. 

 Where specific identifications have been made, they are mostly on the 

 authority of Mr. Coquillett, who has also kindly criticized the illustra- 

 tion of the insect here presented. 



