i 
79 
2. Curved upwards and outwards, with a quick alternate move 
ment to either the right or left, or repeatedly and rapidly 
curved to one side only. As the labella curve upwards the 
anterior portion of the labium also gives a distinct lateral 
twist, so that the dorsal groove is presented laterally. 
3. The teeth of the labella can be curved outwards and ventral 
wards, giving them a bilobed appearance ; the teeth also 
apparently move rapidly backwards and forwards, and a 
clear fluid was seen to pass down the tube when the insect 
was slightly pinched between the fingers. 
In sucking blood from the writer’s hand the insect sat high upon 
its legs, but the anterior pair were much elbowed, and all the joints 
of the tarsi generally rested upon the skin of the host. The whole 
of the proboscis was straightened and held vertically, and the anterior 
third was driven into the flesh.® During the process, which lasted 
altogether for a period of 15 minutes, the proboscis was constantly, but 
somewhat slowly, moved up and down, and also with an occasional 
semi-rotary movement, reminding one somewhat of the action of a 
quarryman’s hand drill. This action was continued until the fly had 
pumped its body full of blood. The initial pain was trifling compared 
with that of a mosquito ; but there were two subsequent pricks which 
were quite as irritating as the first. A small drop of blood was left 
over the puncture, and when this was washed away a small roseala 
was revealed ; but there was no subsequent irritation or soreness of 
any kind. A clear fluid was passed from the anus four times during 
the process, and on several occasions subsequently, and judging from 
the size of the abdomen the food was rapidly assimilated. This fly 
died twelve hours after feeding. 
Duration OF Life.—I n captivity they lived for several days; 
but they were supplied with abundance of fresh air and some moist 
faeces. The females died either immediately or shortly after laying 
their eggs. 
EGG-LAYING. —When the female is about to lay its eggs the 
ovipositor becomes fully extended, and nearly equals the length of the 
abdomen proper. The eggs are passed rapidly down the ovipositor 
at intervals of a few seconds,t and were usually laid in an irregular 
*In thick-skinned animals the proboscis would in all probability be driven mi 
still further. 
t 5*3° seconds. 
