33 
somewhat in the shape of a capital X, the centre of the upper part 
(that is, the part nearest the fore body) entirely dark; sometimes 
the male also has a similar mark on a yellow band. Wings in 
the male almost entirely black or blackish brown; in the female 
somewhat lighter or occasionally lighter, with two large pale spaces, 
dividing the dark part into three patches; one at the tip, a much 
larger one across the wing beyond the centre, and a smaller one at 
the base of the wing. 
Of this kind Dr. Schiner notes: Metamorphosis unknown; 
according to Fabricius they live in larval condition in the earth. 
The flies are often found near water in great numbers, and cause 
much annoyance to men and animals by their persevering attacks. 
(Schiner, ‘ Fauna Austriaca : Die Fliegen Diptera,’ vol. i., p. 40.) 
To those who have not occasion or any reason for desiring to 
identify the special kinds of Gad or Breeze Flies, by which them¬ 
selves or their horses and cattle are tormented, the foregoing 
description may appear quite unnecessarily minute; but from the 
enquiries which are sent me yearly as to the name and nature of 
specimens of these obnoxious pests forwarded, I believe that a 
sufficient note of their characteristics to enable their “victims” (so 
to say) to make out (with the help of a hand magnifier) what is 
doing the mischief, would be of use as well as interest. 
The following short note of a few of the most important points may 
help observers in identification. 
1 & 2.—The two first named, Tabanus bovinus and T. sudeticus, 
both popularly known as Great Gad Flies, may be known by their 
great size, being as much as from four-fifths to over an inch in 
length of body, and have much red brown, yellow brown, and black 
in their colouring. The eyes (the large bodies on each side of the 
front of the head) are without stripes or spots. 
3. — Tabanus autumnalis, “Autumn Gad Fly,” is next in size to 
the above, being not quite four-fifths of an inch in length, and is a 
greyer fly. The eyes dark, without cross bands. 
4. — Tabanus bromius, the Noisy Breeze or Gad Fly, is also 
greyish, but smaller than the above, being only about half an inch 
long, and the eyes have a purple cross stripe. 
5 . —Tabanus cognatus, Low. = T. glaucopsis, Meigen, is about 
three-fifths of an inch or more in length, with often a good deal 
of yellow marking on the abdomen. Eyes with two or three purple 
bands. 
Q.—Atylotusfulvus, “Tawny Breeze Fly,” or “Golden Yellow- 
D 
