B0RB0RID2E. 
621 
stigmatic plates (fig. 408). The family is rather a small one, 
and its members do not seem to be very common in the plains, though 
more frequently met with in the hills. It is not likely that they occur 
in sufficient abundance to act as an efficient check on the species 
parasitized. A widely distributed Indian species is shown on 
PL LXV, fig. 11. 
Borborim. 
Small or minute blackish or brown flies. Antennce short, 3rd joint round , 
with a bare or pubescent arista. Legs rather strongly developed, 
hind legs with first tarsal joint broad and shorter than the second. 
These flies are scavengers in the larval state, living in dung and 
other decaying matter. They are common in many localities in the 
plains as well as in the hills, and may some¬ 
times be seen in great numbers about their 
breeding-places. I have caught them also in 
the house, where, owing to their unpleasant 
habits and the consequent risk of food infec¬ 
tion, their presence is the reverse of desirable, 
but they do not seem to be at all common in 
houses, and probably this instance was exceptional. The unusual 
structure of the first hind tarsal joint makes them easy to recognise, 
and their venation also is usually characteristic (fig. 407) the veins 
being often short and thick and giving the wing an appearance which 
reminds one rather of the Hippoboscidce. Otherwise the flies are 
generally much like the Ephydridce in colouring and general shape. 
There are certainly many species in India, though Van der Wulp 
includes only one ( Limosina punctipennis, Wied.) in his list. 
Agromyzimb 
(Including Geomyzidce). Small or very small flies generally blackish, 
grey, or silvery. Front broad with or without bristles. Antennce 
short, arista bare or pubescent (absent in Cryptochcetum, sometimes 
plumose in Geomyzidce). Anal cell present; cross-veins often near 
together, posterior cross-vein sometimes wanting . Vibissce generally 
absent in Agromyzidce, generally present in Geomyzidce. 
These little flies are often difficult to distinguish from those of 
neighbouring families, especially the Chloropidce and Drosophilidce. 
All three families are very abundant in India. 
Fig. 409— Wing of bor- 
BORID. (x 12.) 
