68 
HOW TO COLLECT 
and in a lesser degree to Stratiomyidce ; while at night many Daddy- 
long-legs (particularly Limnobict) come to sugar. 
“ Ordure. —Many Diptera are attracted by this—not only Scato- 
phagidoe and Muscidce, but Diptera of families which one would not 
expect to see, the moisture being the probable attraction. 
“ Living Animals. —Many species of Tabanidce and other families 
are to be seen round living animals, but as a rule are not to be 
caught, the exception being the Hippobosddce, which can often be 
taken with ease. It is seldom possible to catch flies round animals, 
domestic or otherwise, with a butterfly-net ; but occasionally they can 
be caught with the hand, or boxed. 
“ Bead Animals. — Carrion is sometimes very attractive, and many 
rare species not met with elsewhere are to be taken on it. Here 
again the moisture is probably the attraction. A place where blood 
has run over the ground is generally attractive, though, strange to 
say, the wet mud and sand in river-beds, so attractive to butterflies 
in the tropics, has no attraction for Diptera. 
“ Other Attractions — Sweeping — Beating. —Other attractions, such 
as leaves, tree trunks, bare sandy places, etc., had perhaps better be 
considered under the head of attractions to families. One method 
of capture should not be omitted, however, and this is sweeping. 
Many species of Acalypterate Muscidce, and also many small 
Syrphidce, which otherwise would probably be entirely overlooked, 
may be taken in this manner. The best places to sweep over are 
damp marshy spots, overgrown with rushes, flags, cotton-grass, etc. 
Beating seldom repays, though Cyrtidce may now and again be 
obtainable by this means only. 
“ Habits of Various Families. — Syrphidce. (Hover-flies, Drone- 
\ V / dies, etc.).—For this family sunshine is absolutely 
essential, and the majority will be found at flower 
heads, in company with many species of Muscidce. 
/ W V 8° m e few, however (e.g. Xylota, Oalliprobola , Brachy- 
LEUOOZONA LUCORUM. ^ ^uks ’ Whi ' 6 S P edeS 
belonging to certain genera (Pelecocera, Melanostoma, 
etc.) will probably be taken chiefly by sweeping. Many species of 
Syrphus, Eristalis, etc., may be taken hovering in the air. 
