Q. I 2 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
be assailed by them. They are heavy, large bodied flies, in size: 
ranging from \ to i inch in length. The head is large, convex in front, 
eyes usually greenish in colour, but in some species may be of other 
brilliant colours. Eyes in the male meet, but in the female there is 
a space between them. Proboscis in most genera is short and stouts 
Colour of the body varies, usually greyish. In some especially the 
smaller kinds the flight is noiseless, the first intimation of their 
presence being their sharp bite. The eggs are deposited on rushes 
or other smooth surfaces over water or damp ground. It is probable 
that at least some of the genera of this species aid considerably in 
the dissemination of surra. 
Stomoxys. — Different members of this genus are very similar 
to each other. In appearance and size they so closely resemble 
house-flies as to easily deceive at a casual glance. Their most readily 
distinguishing feature is the little short proboscis, which projects, 
horizontally in front of the head and if looked at closely will be seen 
to be bent like an elbow joint. This fly bites freely, as will have 
been noticed by any who has stayed any time near buffaloes in the 
rains. It can easily bite through an ordinary stocking. It has 
been recognized as one of the agents in the transmission of La 
Souma (a surra-like disease in the Soudan), and probably may help 
to disseminate surra in this province. 
A most important member of the genus allied to the Stomoxys 
and so far not recorded from Burma is the Glossina or Tsetse-fly of 
Africa, the dreaded agent which causes the fly sickness ^' of 
certain tracts in that continent. In view of its possible presence or 
perhaps introduction into the country, a short description may with 
advantage be given. They are brownish or greyish brown flies. 
Length J to J inch, and have a very prominent proboscis. In the 
resting attitude they may be distinguished from biting-flies of a like 
appearance by the fact that the wings are closed tightly, overlapping 
each other like the blades of a pair of scissors. 
During the fly season when animals are tethered during the 
day but more especially during the night, fires should be lit near 
their standings. Animals readily recognize the value of smoke as 
a protection against flies. Mosquitoes are so numerous in many 
places during the rains that without fires domestic animals can 
hardly obtain rest. Sand-flies and mosquitoes are the chief tormen- 
tors, but sometimes Tabanadae will bite after sunset, by moonlight, 
and even when dark. This I have been made aware of by personal 
experience when in the vicinity of cattle more particularly buffaloes. 
Selous* remarks, I think it is usually believed that the tsetse-fly 
* " A Hunter's Wanderings in Africa." Page l54. F. C. Selous. 
