103 
DIPTERA. 
The family of Scenopinidce contains a few small black 
flies of sluggish habits ; they are found on leaves of 
plants, and on windows, especially of stables. 
The Stratiomidce or Soldier-flies have bodies rather 
flat, of large, middle, or small size; they inhabit 
flowers, leaves, meadow and water 
plants; the larvae are aquatic or live 
in decomposing matter ; there are 
several species, but I shall mention two 
only, the Stratiomys Cliameleo and the 
Sargus cuprarius . The former is prettily 
marked in spots and bands, black and 
yellow. These insects fly with great 
rapidity, but not far, quickly return¬ 
ing to the spot whence they took wing; 
they delight in hot sunshine. The meta¬ 
morphosis of Stratiomys cliameleo has 
been often observed. The eggs are de¬ 
posited on the underside of the leaves of 
the water plantain ( Alisma Plantago); 
like those of the alder-fly, they are 
Larva op Stratiomys p re ttily arrai3 CT e (J • oue egg partly COVerS 
another, like the tiles on a roof ; at first 
they are white, then green, then olive green. The larva 
is of singular form, elongated and without feet. At 
the extremity of the abdomen there is a spiracle sur¬ 
rounded with a coronet of hairs; by this radiated ex¬ 
tremity the larva often remains at the surface of the 
water, head downwards. These hairs can be closed up ? 
so as to retain an air-bubble, which the larva, when it 
is has occasion to sink, carries down with it, and by 
which it again becomes buoyant when it wishes to- 
