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MANUAL

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North American Diptera

BY

SAMUEL W. WILLISTON

Third Edition

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JAMES T. HATHAWAY X^ O 0V

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Copyright, 1908,

BY

Samuel W. Willistox

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PREFACE.

Twenty-four years ago the writer began the publica-
tion, in the Bulletin of the Brooklyn Entomological
Society, of a series of synoptic papers on the families and
genera of North American Diptera. Previous to that
time but seven of the sixty odd families had thus been
rendered accessible to the American student in the works
of Loew and Osten Sacken. In 1888 these synopses
were revised and published, with others, in a pamphlet
of 88 pages entitled ' Synopsis of the Families and
Genera of North American Diptera, exclusive of the
Nematocera and Muscidae.' It contained tabular defini-
tions of about three hundred and fifty genera, all at that
time known from the United States in the families treated.
In the succeeding eight years the writer's acquaintance,
especially with the southern forms, had been so widened
that he attempted a similar review of all the North and
Middle American genera, aided by Professor Aldrich in
the Dolichopodidae and Mr. Snow in the Ortalidae. Re-
gretfully the very large and almost chaotic families
Dexiidae and Tachinidae were not included. Eight hun-
dred and twenty-six genera were defined in this 'second
edition' more or less accurately, very nearly all of which,
save those of the Dolichopodidae, had been studied by
the writer in its preparation. The continued use of this
work, both in America and abroad, has been very grati-
fying to the author, a use that has made him the more
desirous that a better and more complete edition should
be prepared, one that would be of greater service to the
amateur, whose interests have been paramount. For such
an edition the present time seemed opportune, since the
recently published catalogue of the Diptera of North

4 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

America, by Professor Aldrich, a very meritorious work,
has lessened materially the labor of its preparation, and
must add to its usefulness. It was with some misgivings,
however, that the author undertook the no inconsiderable
task, since his studies for some years past have been
almost wholly in a widely different field from that of
entomology — vertebrate paleontology, a subject which,
indeed, has absorbed the larger share of his attention
for the past thirty years.

But, he would not have undertaken the task, save
upon the kind assurance of assistance and contributions
by several of the leading students of diptera in the United
States. The chief progress during the last twelve years
has been in comparatively few families, the most of which
had been but indifferently well studied at the time of the
publication of the second edition; a progress in large part
due to the work of the present contributors.

Professor C. F. Adams has kindly aided in a large
part of the work, especially the Cyclorrhapha, though
the writer assumes all responsibility for changes and ad-
ditions not directly accredited to the several contributors.
Professor Adams has also furnished the tables for the
very difficult families Dexiidse and Tachinidae, omitted
in the previous edition. As in the former edition, the
characters and table of the Dolichopodidae are wholly
the work of Professor Aldrich; he has also generously
assisted in other ways, and it need not be said that, with-
out the aid of his Catalogue, the labor of revision would
have been greater, and the results less satisfactory.
Mr. C. T. Brues, who has given so much critical attention
to the singular family Phoridae, has furnished the char-
acters and table of that family; one needs to compare his
table with that of the former edition to see how much has
been done in that group. Professor James Hine has re-
vised the characters and table of the Tabaniche. Professor

PREFACE. 5

O. A. Johannsen has furnished a new table of the Chiro-
nomidae. Professor V. L. Kellogg has done the same for
the Blepharoceridae, and has revised the family charac-
ters. Professor A. L. Melanderhas treated the Empididae
anew; and Professor C. H. T. Townsend has generously
criticised the figures of the Dexiidae and Taehinidae, and
has furnished important notes on many of the genera.
To all these gentlemen the author tenders his sincerest
thanks, not only on his own part, but also on the part
of those who will have occasion to use the work.

At the outset it was not contemplated to give many
illustrations, chiefly such as would be explanatory of
the more important characters. In the end more than
six hundred genera have been defined more or less fully
and decisively by nearly one thousand figures. Of these
figures all these of the Dolichcpodidae and the first plate
cf those of the Taehinidae were furnished by Professor
Aldrich. Mr. Brues has furnished the figures of the Phori-
dae, Professor Hine those of the Tabanidae, and Professor
Melauder most of those illustrating the Empididae. Pro-
fessor Washburn kindly gave permission to use electro-
types of twenty-three figures prepared for his or the late
Professor Lugger's reports on Minnesota Diptera. To
Professor Kellogg and Henry Holt & Co. the writer is
indebted for eight electrotypes of figures in Professor
Kellogg's American Insects; and to Professor J. B. Smith
his thanks are due for six figures of the Culicidae, orig-
inally prepared for his Report on the Mosquitoes of New
Jersey. A few other figures have been copied from relia-
ble sources, where specimens were not easily accessible,
and are likewise credited in each case to its author. All
the remainder, whether drawings or photographs, more
than eight hundred in number, have been made by the
writer from specimens — a task which has involved many
months of labor, but which could not, in most cases, have
been safely entrusted to a professional draftsman.

6 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

To the authorities of the National Museum and Mr. D.
\V. Coquillett, the writer is indebted for the communica-
tion of specimens of fourteen genera for purposes of illus-
tration. Finally he has to express his hearty thanks to
his friend and former colleague, Dr. F. H. Snow of the Uni-
versity of Kansas, for the free permission to make use of
whatever specimens were needed in the rich collections of
that University — collections which include nearly all the
types of diptera from the United States described by
Townsend, Snow, Adams and the writer.

Since the preparation of the present edition was begun
has occurred the death of one whose name will ever be
honorably associated with American Dipterology, Dr. C.
R. Osten Sacken. The author can not forbear placing
on record here an earnest tribute of friendship and ad-
miration for the man, and unqualified appreciation of
his work as an entomologist. His constant encourage-
ment and kindly criticism during a correspondence of
more than twenty years have made this book, whatever
be its merits, possible; and the author only hopes that it
may be found not unworthy of association with his work.
1 1 is with pain, also, that the author here records the
death, in early years, of his friend and student the late
Mr. W. A. Snow, who assisted in the preparation of the
Ortalidse of the former edition.

About twelve hundred genera are defined in the pres-
ent edition, with the exception of a few doubtful forms,
all those known from North and Central America and
the West Indies. That the definitions are wholly with-
out error is inconceivable. Whatever revision the book
may receive in the future must be left to others, and,
in taking final leave of it after these twenty-four years,
the writer will be pardoned in repeating the words of a
master, one whose works have served as models for this,
Rudolph Schiner:

'Und so uebergebe ich denn diese meine Arbeit der Oeffentlichkeit
mit detn Wunsche, <lnss sie billigen Anforderungen entspreehen moege
nml mit dem Beifuegen, <lass ich dem Urtheile unparteiischeu [<eser
mit volkr Beruhigung entgegensehe, da ich bewusst bin, bei Lot'sun^
meiner Aufgabe mit allem EJrnste und der groessten Gewissenhaftig-
keil vogegangen zu sein.'

SAMUEL W. WIU.ISTON.

University of Chicago, June, 1908,

CONTENTS.

TRODUCTION .

9

Structure and habits of flies

16

Morphology

20

Head .

20

Mouth-parts

24

Autermae

27

Thorax

3i

Legs .

34

Abdomen

36

Wings

37

Vestiture .

■

43

Chaetotaxy

45

Internal anatomy

49

Classification of diptera

5i

Collection and preser

vatic

n of

flies

62

Group characters and synoptic table of the families of

DIPTERA 65

ILY CHARACTERS AND SYNOPTIC

I

Tipulidae

II

Psychodidas

III

Dixidae .

IV

Culicidae

V

Chironomidae

VI

Cecidomyidae

VII

Mycetophilidae

VIII

Bibionidae

IX

Simuliidae

X

Blepharoceridae

XI

Orphnephilidae

XII

Rhyphidae

XIII

Leptidae .

XIV

Stratiomyidae

XV

Acanthomeridae

XVI

Tabanidae

XVII

Cyrtidae .

XVIII

Nemestrinidae

XIX

Apioceridae

TABLES OF GENERA

8l
92

94
96

no

117
131

140

144

148

153
155
157

164

173
176

182
186
188

8

NORTH AMKRICAN DIPTKRA.

XX

XXI

XXII

XXIII

XX I V

XXV

XXVI

XXVII

XXVIII

XXIX

XXX

XXXI

XXXII

XXXIII

XXXIX

XX XY

XXXVI

XXXYII

XXXVIII

XXXIX

XI.

XLI

XLII

XLIII

XLIY

XLY

XLVI

XLYII

XLVIII

xux

L

LI

LI I

LIU

LIV

LV

LVI

LVII

LYIII

LIX

LX

I. XI

Appendix

INIIK-X

Mydaidae

Asilidae .

Therevidse

Scenopinidae

Botnbyliidae

Etnpididae

Dolichopodidse

Phoridae .

Lonchopteridae

Platypezidae

Pipunculidae

Syrphidae

Conopidae

Tanypezidae

Micropezidae

Psilidae .

Sepsidae .

( >rtalididse

Rhopalomeridae

Trypetidae

Sapromyzidae

Agromyzidae

Geomyzidae

Drosophilidse

Ephydridae

i iscinidae

Diopsidae

Borboridae

Phycodroniidae

HetL-roneurida;

Sciomyzidae

Helomyzidae

Cordyluridae

Anthoinyidae

Muscidse

CEstridae

Sarcophagidse

Dexiidse .

Tacbinidae

Hippoboscidae

Streblidae

Nycteribiidae

190
192
205
208
210
218
228

336
240
241
24-I
246
261
264
2b4

2h7
269
271
28o
2.S2
288
29I
297
299

3«>3

3'°
314
315
317
318
321
324
327
331
337
344
348
352
358
3*2

384

386

3*7
391

North American Diptera.

INTRODUCTION.

The order of two-winged insects known as flies or Dip-
tera includes more than forty thousand known species
from different regions of the world. Since many of the
species are small, or even minute, and inconspicuous,
and since the order as a whole has not received the at-
tention from collectors and students of entomology that
other and more attractive groups have, it is very certain
that many more await discovery. A very reasonable es-
timate would place the entire number of species of flies
at present in existence at more than eighty thousand.
From North America the recent catalogue of Aldrich
gives a list of about eight thousand species, distributed
in more than a thousand genera. The subject is a wide
one and replete with interest.

To the student beginning the study of this interesting
order of insects a few words of advice or caution may not
be superfluous. The present work can make no preten-
sions to completeness in the characterization of genera,
at least in the majority of cases; that would require
a work many times larger than is the present one, and is
practically impossible at the present time. One must
not, therefore, depend entirely upon tables and figures
in the absence of other information and other assistance,
especially when he knows but few forms. If he does not
immediately succeed in securely locating his specimens

IO NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

he should not too hastily conclude that they are 'new'.
Until he has acquired a considerable acquaintance with

different families, the work of classification may at times
be tedious, but by perseverance he can not fail to over-
come whatever obstacles families and genera may pre-
sent. He will be very much aided at the beginning by
having a tolerably large collection at his command with
which to make comparisons. Difficulties to the inexpe-
rienced will often disappear with positive evidence before
him, when negative characters would be doubtful. With
each genus in a family positively determined, the diffi-
culties and uncertainties of others will gradually disap-
pear. Better still if he -has numerous species reliably
named with which to begin his studies. The present
writer in his entomological career had few if any species
or genera determined for him by others, and he well ap-
preciates how wasteful of energies was such a method,
at the time unavoidable. For full generic descriptions
of many, perhaps the larger part, of the North American
genera, the student will find a most valuable aid in
Schiner's Fauna Austriaca, a work of which too much can
not be said in praise. The descriptions are remarkable
for their fullness, accuracy and simplicity, and, although
the work is forty years old, it has lost but little of its value.
To determine his species the student will need access
to a large number of books and papers, lists of which to
the present time will be found in Aldrich's admirable
and indispensable Catalogue of North American Diptera,
published by the Smithsonian Institution. One must
not, however, let the formidable lists frighten him. He
will not need them all to begin with, nor even the larger
part of them, and the earnest student can always be as-
sured of the sympathy and assistance of his fellow work-
ers. His earlier determinations, and those of the student
who is concerned chiefly in obtaining a broad general

INTRODUCTION. l x

knowledge of the taxonomy of the diptera, may be eon-
fined, for the most part, to those groups which have been
monographed, with full descriptions of genera and spe-
cies, and, if possible with numerous illustrations. Refer-
ences to the more important papers of each family will
be found in Aldrich's catalogue.

Long before the student has reached the dignity of
'independent research', he will have learned who the
masters of dipterology are ; who have shown the greatest
acumen in the discernment and use of classificatory char-
acters. It will not be invidious to distinguish above all
others Schiner, L,oew and Osten Sacken as writers who
can not be too faithfully studied, too closely followed.
Not that they are infallible; none are. Indeed an error
of a master is often more instructive than the masterpiece
of a dullard. One must learn the values of characters in
classification before he can be successful in instructing
others, or in making his discoveries known. And this
knowledge can only be acquired by long and faithful
study of living things and due reflection thereon. The
narrow systematic specialist is looked upon somewhat
askance by modern biologists, and rightfully too, but I
have no hesitation in saying, and it is the experience of
many years of study in different branches of natural his-
tory, that the right kind of systematic work calls for the
highest scientific powers of the student. I am aware that
some narrow specialists in other departments of science
will take exception to this statement, but I believe it and
say it for the encouragement of those who may be dis-
suaded from the earnest study of such creatures by the
flippant remark of the shallow minded. But a mere col-
lector of specimens, one who finds enjoyment in getting
the largest number and arranging them in serial form in
his cabinet is not necessarily a scientific student, though
he may have a very pleasant and useful pastime; his la-

[2 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

bors are scarcely more important than those of the micro-
tomist who cuts up frogs' eggs and makes pictures of
them. There are no principles too deep, no speculations
too lofty to find application in such creatures as flies, the
too often proletarians of the professional entomologist
even.

Most emphatically I would impress upon all students
of dipterology who undertake the subject seriously, that
the greatest need of modern entomology is monographic
work. Nearly every family awaits the conscientious
monographer, and such work is that which lasts longest
and acquires most renown. The problems of distribution,
of relationship, of origin, of the effects of environments,
or the meaning and value of characters, can be satisfacto-
rily solved by critical monographic studies only. The
description of 'new species' as mere membra disjecta of
faunas, is scarcely worth the energies of the earnest and
careful student, certainly not as a life vocation, and none
else has any business to write at all. It too easily degen-
erates into a mere roll-calling, a catalogue of the permu-
tations of a few characters, increasing the difficulties for
real students who come afterward. The name that an
insect is known by is of trivial importance, and no one
cares who described it, unless he did it poorly. It will
be a fortunate thing when the search for 'new species'
and the interminably haphazard making of 'new genera'
is done.

Even a cursory glance at some of the tables further on
will convince the intelligent student that the real mean-
ing of many of the classificatorv characters is yet imper-
fectly comprehended. But little attention has been paid
to homoplasy or 'convergent evolution', and as all true
classification must depend upon the proper use of genetic
characters, it is apparent that future revisions may ma-
terially modify our present conceptions of relationships

INTRODUCTION.

13

in many cases. I can offer no better example of this dis-
regard for phylogenetic and convergent evolution than is
shown in the proposed scheme of classification of the
Cecidomyidse on later pages. The structure and use of
the organs of orientation, — the antennae and palpi especial-
ly, the further comparative study of the ocelli and eyes,
the reasons for the evolution of the wing venation in ap-
parently different systems, the causes of the variations in
the patterns of coloration, the meaning more fully of the
different kinds of vestiture, etc., etc., all need much more
attention than has been given them by the systematise
and it is he who is best qualified to solve such problems.
One of the first questions that a novice in classification
asks is: What is a species, genus, family? The taxono-
mist's answer to the first of these queries is easy: A sfpe-
cies is a form of life with all its fertile variants. A mas-
tiff and a grayhound are not distinct species of clogs,
because there exist all possible variations between the
two types, though both have bred true to themselves for
more than three thousand years. But a dog and a fox
are distinct species because there exist no varieties con-
necting the two. If no two specimens in a given form of
fly have precisely the same relative lengths of the anten-
nal joints, then the relative lengths of these organs is not
a specific character in that form. If, however, all the
specimens occurring in Massachusetts have a definite
relative length for each joint while those in Kansas have
another, the first impression is that they belong to dis-
tinct species. If further discovery proves that, in cross-
ing the country between Massachusetts and Kansas, the
lengths gradually vary from one to the other, then we
must consider the eastern and western specimens as mere-
ly racial varieties of a single species. The systematist is
never troubled as to what a species is, if he has all the
material he wants.

'4

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

The answer to the second query, What is a genus? is,
however, a very different matter. Ordinarily we might
apply the same criterion, that groups of species gradu-
ally blending together should not be separated into two
or more genera. But this will not suffice, since, because
of the actual presence of the connecting links, the ex-
tremes may vary enormously, far more than in many cases
where the connecting links have disappeared, leaving
the extremes isolated into easily distinguishable genera.
Both convenience and the demands of relationships re-
quire here that such groups be broken up, though it may
and often does entail the result that such genera may be
ultimately distinguishable in their most allied species by
only trivial characters. But the temptation offered here,
especially to the narrow, perspectiveless specialist, is to
use those same boundary characters, or their equivalents,
as generic characters through the whole family, and the
result is an almost innumerable number of proposed di-
visions. As nearly every species of flies has some plastic
or structural distinguishing character, it is very evident
that we might ultimately reach the absurd result of mak-
ing species and genera coterminous. Between this ex-
treme and the other, the grouping of large numbers of
species into genera, all of which can be distinguished by
decisive, it not important, structural characteristics, there
must be a happy mean. This mean, however, must de-
pend more or less upon the opinions of those best quali-
fied to interpret them. In other words I am tempted to
define a genus as being merely the personal opinion of its
proposer. By an excessive 'splitting' of genera, broader
relationships are lost sight of, and the tendency is inevit-
able to restore those evidences by the invention of new
group terms to express them. Perhaps no better exam-
ples of these tendencies are observable than in the more
recently proposed classification < f the mosquitoes. F< r

INTRODUCTION. I5

many decades systematise were satisfied to distribute the
known mosquitoes in a relatively small number of genera,
genera which could be defined by characters equivalent to
those used in the allied families of diptera. With the great
impetus given to the study of these insects by the discov-
ery of their agency in the spread of disease, the genera
have been broken up into many new divisions, until sev-
enty or eighty are now recognized by some students of
the family. In the dearth of striking characters, those
of extreme minuteness have been resorted to, such as the
relative lengths and widths of the scales and their distri-
bution on the body; and even colorational characters
have been called in aid. The obliteration of relationships
thus brought about has rendered the erection of numer-
ous subfamilies necessary, and it is even seriously pro-
posed to elevate the previously accepted subfamilies to
family rank, and the family Culicidse to a superfamily!
And I doubt not that some zealous confrere may yet se-
riously propose to consider the old family Culicidae as a
suborder! Possibly also, it may be necessary some time
in the future to have a quantitative chemical analysis of
a mosquito before deciding to which genus it may belong.
Now it is very apparent that the importance of the mos-
quitoes in man's economy can have no value in classifica-
tion; that, if the happiness and welfare of every living
being were dependent upon the mosquitoes it could not
affect the classification of the family one whit ; but some-
thing of the sort seems to have resulted.

I will admit that excessive 'splitting' of genera often
brings to light and tests many differential characters
which otherwise might long remain obscure. Neverthe-
less, convenience is an important end of classification, as
well as the expression of relationships. In days gone by
the profuse maker of genera was ridiculed and the results
of his labors were largely ignored; but I fear even Ues-

t6 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

voidy's shade would turn pale with envy in the contem-
plation of some of the proposed genera of the modern
culicidologists.

STRUCTURE OF FLIES.

The word diptera, by winch the two-winged flies are
known, signifies two wings, the chief characteristic of
the adult insects. All diptera, if they have any wings,
have but a single pair. The hind pair of other insects is
really represented by a small organ on either side, back
of the true wings, consisting of a short, slender stem,
terminating in a knob. The precise function of these
'halteres' or 'balancers', as they are called, if they have
any, is not known ; that they have a secondarily acquired
use is probable, since they are always in vibration
during flight; an orienting or balancing function has
been ascribed to them. The halteres are very character-
istic of the order, always present in the winged forms,
and usually present even in those in which the true wings
are aborted or functionless, though rarely they are en-
tirely absent. Not all flies are winged, as has been al-
ready intimated; rarely, among both the more general-
ized and the more specialized groups they are imperfectly
developed or wholly wanting. Their absence is not of
very great classificatory importance, never more than
generic, and sometimes doubtfully that. Sometimes the
male has wings and the female is wingless; but the num-
ber of wingless forms of any kind is very small.

In size as well as in shape, flies vary not a little. As
compared with the lepidoptera, orthoptera, neuroptera,
and even the hemiptera, flies are relatively small insects.
The largest specimen of a fly of which I have knowledge
is that figured herewith natural size, pertaining to an
indeterminable species of Mydas from South America.
The length of this specimen from the tip of the antennae

Fig. i. Mydas, species indet. Life sizs. (Brazil.)

Fig. 2. Acanthomera, species indet. Life size. (Venezuela.

f

INTRODUCTION. I7

to the extremity of the abdomen, is sixty-seven millime-
ters, or, omitting the antennae, fifty-two millimeters; the
expanse of wings one hundred and seventeen millimeters,
or a little more than four and one-half inches. The
smallest dipteron that I have ever observed in the
examination of many thousand specimens and five
or six thousand species, is that of a cecidomyid measur-
ing a trifle less than one half millimeter, also omitting
the antennas. In other words, the Mydas is more than
one million times the size of the cecidomyid. Possibly
there are still greater discrepancies between the largest
and smallest specimens of the order, but in all prob-
ability not much. The largest insect known is one
allied to the dragon flies, an extinct Devonian species
which measured about fifteen inches in length. As-
suming that the bodily proportions of the largest and
smallest hexapods are not unlike, the extremes of size or
weight are more than four hundred millions apart. In
no single family of diptera are the differences in size
anywhere nearly so great as those between the mydaid
and cecidomyid. Seldom do the differences in linear meas-
urements in any one family exceed ten fold. Among
other families of diptera the tipulids, asilids, and especial-
ly the pautophthalmids, often furnish examples of large
size, while the tabanids, syrphids and cyrtids have not a
few forms of considerable size. The largest of all the
Cyclorrhapha will be found among the Calypterae, while
the Acalypterae are rarely much above the average in
size, and many are small, or very small.

Giantism in any group of animal life is a specialization,
and is, in general, an indication of approaching decadence;
enduringly small races are never the descendants of
giants, for decrease in size means lessened vitality and
incipient extinction. No strong or dominant group of
flies, like the Tachinidae, Dolichopodidae, Syrphidae, or

IS

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Bombyliidae, has ever had in the past a larger average
bodily size than is found among their living representa-
tives. On the other hand, those families composed to-
day chiefly of large forms are ones already past their
prime. These conclusions seem established for the larger
forms of life, and I believe that they are in the main also
applicable to insects.

Many curious resemblances of external form are ob-
servable among diptera belonging to widely different fami-
lies ami of remote relationships. Some of these, perhaps
many, have a protective value, in flies of like habits; or
they may have been the results of like environmental
conditions.

Ceri;i. Ceriomydas. Conops.

Fig. 3. Examples of mimetic resemblances in flies. Ceria (Syrphidae ;
Ceriomydas (Mydaidse); Conops (Conopidse). Slightly reduced.

In figure 3 are given photographs of three wasp-like
flies of very different families and of considerable size,
all of them associated in the same fauna, and curiously

HABITS. 19

resembling each other; several others equally striking
might have been associated in the same group.

The habits of flies are very diverse. Many are prop-
erly spoken of as flower flies — that is, insects whose sub-
sistence, for the most part or entirely, is obtained from
the honey or pollen of flowers, and the sweetened sap
of plants. Among these are many which are swift in
flight, spending most of their time during sunny hours
upon the wing or resting lightly upon leaves and flowers ;
they all love the warmest sunshine. Some mature flies
feed upon ordure or decaying material of whatever nature
it may be. Many others, including whole families like
the Asilidse, Dolichopodidae and Empididae, find their
subsistence in the juices of other insects, and are often
predaceous in the highest degree. Others, like the female
mosquitoes, blackflies and horseflies, are bloodsucking
in habit, though not exclusively so, and are often very
annoying to man and other warm-blooded animals. The
whole group of Pupipara, with the exception of the Brau-
lidae, are of this kind, living parasitically upon and suck-
ing the blood from mammals and birds. In the previous
edition of this work I expressed the opinion that, upon
the whole, the order of diptera is beneficial to man's econ-
omy, since so many of its members, whether in the larval
or adult conditions, are either useful scavengers, destroy-
ing that which otherwise might cause distress, or prey
upon other and injurious insects. Since the publication
of that edition, however, the many marvelous and import-
ant discoveries of the parasitic habits of certain very
small protozoans which find their intermediary hosts in
certain flies, by whose instrumentality they are trans-
mitted to man and some of his most valued domestic ani-
mals, will require the complete reversal of that opinion.
Yellow fever, malaria, and filariasis, transmitted in the
saliva of mosquitoes, and the fatal 'sleeping sickness'

2u NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

(trypanosomiasis), likewise resulting from the predatory
bites of the tsetze fly, are among the most virulent or
widespread diseases of mankind. Perhaps we may justly
say that the order, so far as man is concerned, is the
most pestilential of all animal life.

In the larval condition the habits of flies are even more
diverse than are those of the adult insects. Brief refer-
ences to the larval habits will be found in the discussion
of the families. Suffice it here to say that the larvae or
'maggots' of diptera are, for the most part, vegetable
feeders, but not a few feed upon living or decaying ani-
mal matter; and many are parasitic within the bodies of
other insects, whether larvae or adults, snails, reptiles,
birds and mammals, and possibly also amphibians and
fishes.

MORPHOLOGY OK DIPTERA.

In the following pages I endeavor to give such defini-
tions and descriptions of the mature insect as will enable
the student to understand and appreciate, not only the
present work, but all other systematic works upon dip-
tera. I have not thought it desirable to consider at length
many interesting subjects connected with them, such as
their internal anatomy, embryology, larval habits, etc.,
as being rather apart from the chief object of the work —
an introduction or aid to the study of systematic dipter-

ology.

HKAI).

The head in diptera is very variable in shape, reaching
its most remarkable development in the Diopsidas and
Nycteribiidse. -'It is frequently more or less spherical,
but usually the posterior surface or occiput is flattened
or concave, giving a more hemispherical appearance.
The face is rarely produced into an elongattd rostrum
or snout, and the front part may be produced into a con-
ical prominence. Its relative size is also variable, some-

HEAD. 21

times distinctly wider than the thorax, at other times
small. In the N)^eteribiidse it may be folded back into a
groove on the dorsum of the thorax, but with these ex-
ceptions, it is always attached to the thorax by a freely
movable neck. The taxonomic characters furnished by
the head are second only in importance to those of the
wings.

Eyes. The large compound e5res are present in all dip-
tera, save seme Pupipara. In the majority of males,
especially of the Orthorrhapha, they are contiguous on
the upper side of the head, between the insertion of the
antennse and the hind margin, for a longer or shorter
distance; insects having such contiguous eyes are called
holoptic (Osten Sacken). In many males, however (all
the Acalypterae and several families of the Orthorrhapha,
as well as numerous genera of other families), and in
all females, with but few exceptions (certain Cyrtidae,
Orphephilidae, Blepharoceridse, Bombylidse, Platype-
zidae, etc.), the eyes are separated more or less broadly
by the front: such insects are called dichoptic ( Williston ) .
Rarely the eyes may be contiguous below the antennae,
or both above and below, as in certain cyrtids, etc. In
not a few flies, especially those of the aerial, bristleless
kinds, the upper facets of the eyes are larger and more
conspicuous than the lower ones, sometimes separated by
a distinct line, or even entirely divided. This peculiar-
ity is rarely seen in the female or even in the dichoptic
male, though the dichoptic Asilidae may have the anterior
facets somewhat enlarged in both sexes. Those flies hav-
ing such enlarged facets usually have the eyes in life
brilliantly and beautifully colored with green and purple
markings — markings often characteristic of the various
species, and the general pattern even of the genera.
Unfortunately such markings are obliterated by dessica-

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTI'.RA.

tion, though they may be somewhat revived temporarily

by the aid of moisture.

Most Hies have the eyes bare, or pubescent only when
seen under high magnification. Not rarely, however,
the whole or part of the eyes is covered with erect short
pile, a character which usually, perhaps always, finds its
greatest development in the male sex. The pubescence
or pilosity may be sparse or dense, short or long, and is
usually, though not always, of generic importance.

Ocelli. On the upper part of the front in the middle,
between or a little back of the compound eyes, there are
three simple, small eye lenses, present in most diptera,
and called ocelli. They are by no means constant among
all the genera of some families, or even among all the
species of some genera. They are usually situated in
the form of a triangle with the apex in front; sometimes
they are located in a nearly straight line transversely;
or, the middle one may be rarely absent, and the other
two situated, one on each side, near the compound eyes.

Front. The space between the eyes in all dichoptic flies,
limited by the upper margin of the head and the line
drawn through the root of the antennae, is called the front.
It may be wide or narrow, excavated or convex, etc.

\ Tertex. The uppermost part of the front, near the mar-
gin of the occiput, which is here called the vertical margin.

I 'crtical triangle. The triangle at the upper part of the
head, between the eyes in holoptic flies. It bears the
ocelli, which may be situated on a triangle indicated by
grooves or depressions or colorations, called the ocellar
ttiangle.

Frontal triangle. In holoptic flies, the triangle between
the eyes and tlie root of the antennae, the apex of which
is above. Sometimes the term is applied to a triangle
indicated by color or depression in the dichoptic front.

Ptilinum. In the Cyclorrhapha an inflatable organ ca-

HEAD.

23

pable of being thrust out through the frontal suture just
above the root of the antennae, and which is used by the
imago in springing off the cap to the puparium when
about to extricate itself.

Frontal lunule. An oval or crescentic space just above
the root of the antennae in cyclorrhaphous flies, bounded
by the frontal suture.

Epistoma or Peristoma. The oral margin and an indefi-
nite space immediately contiguous thereto; not often
now used.

Antennal fovea ox groove. A groove or grooves in the
middle of the face, as though for the lodgment of the an-
tennae, bounded on the sides by the facial ridges.

Cheeks or 'jowls' . The space back of the face and below
the eyes.

Orbits. The space immediately contiguous to the eyes,
sometimes indicated by structural characters, at other
times indefinite. It is called facial, frontal, etc., from
the position.

Clypeus. A part of the mouth structure, often visible
below the margin of the mouth in front as a more or less
visor-shaped piece.

Fig. 4. Mouthparts of female Tabanus. After Washburn, nip, maxil-
lary palpus; m, mandible; mx, maxilla; lb, labium.

24 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

MOUTH- PARTS.

The mouth-parts of diptera are wholly suctorial. They
differ not a little in different flies, as might be supposed
from their diverse habits. In some they are adapted for
piercing animal or vegetable substances, and are, in con-
sequence, firmer and more slender; in others, and by far
the greater number, they are short and soft, with a thick-
ened extremity used for the attrition of small particles of
solid substances. Grains of pollen have been observed in
the digestive organs of the Syrphidae and other flower
flies, but, as a rule, fluids only serve as food. Many have
the proboscis wholly retractile into the oral cavity, and
furnished with one or even two hinges, by which when at
rest it may be folded up. In others the proboscis is not
retractile, and projects either in front, or downward or
backward, beneath the body. While it is usually short,
it may be much longer than the body. Finally, a few
species have the mouth-parts vestigial and take no nour-
ishment in the adult state.

The more commonly accepted homologies of the mouth-
parts are as follows: labium, maxillae, maxillary palpi,
mandibles, hypopharynx, and labrum or labrum-epiphar-
ynx. The labial palpi are thought to be wholly wanting,*
or represented by the labella. The labium is always
present, more or less fleshy and provided with muscles.
It is grooved or channeled on the upper side to receive
the other parts, with the exception of the maxillary palpi,
which are free. This sheath is often nearly complete,
the thin margins touching each other above. At its tip
are the pair of joints of variable size called the 'lips'
or labella. The maxilla and mandibles are sometimes

This has very recently been contested by Wesche, \vli<> asserts that
either the labial <>r maxillary palpi may be present and functional; but
no cases are known of both pairs being functionally present. I am
inclined to be skeptical.

MOUTH-PARTS- 25

absent, the mandibles most frequently; when present
they are always slender and firm. The hypopharynx is
unpaired and slender, grooved on the upper side and
sometimes converted into a nearly complete tube. The
labrum, also unpaired, is usually elongate and grooved
on the under side, forming by apposition with the hypo-
pharynx a complete tube. The mandibles are frequently
absent ; in fact I do not know of their occurrence in any
flies with a simple third antennal joint, and they may be
absent in the male when present in the female, as in the
Tabanidse. They are always piercing" organs, thin, firm,
chitinous and usually slender. The two maxillae, like-
wise piercing organs, find their highest development in
such predaceous flies as the Asilidae. Like the mandi-
bles they are chitinous and slender. In some they are
more or less flattened, and may have curiously shaped
projections at the tip; usually they are bristle-like.
They lie with the maxillae within the sheath of the labi-
um, at either side of the labrum and hypopharynx. In
some cases the labrum is short, and serves only as a cov-
er for the proximal part of the hypopharynx, but usually
it is as long as or longer than the hypopharynx and has
a simple groove on the under side. The hypopharynx
is always present in flies in which the mouth-parts are
functional. It is, more often, a slender, firm organ,
grooved upon the upper side, which by apposition with
the labrum forms a distinct tube. In some, however,
it may form an almost complete tube in itself.

Leaving out of account the degraded, but highly spe-
cialized Pupipara, the labium is always a sheath for all
the other organs except the palpi, but is separable at the
will of the insect. It is not used in piercing; it is either
bent backward in the middle, as in the mosquito, or the
piercing parts are thrust out at the extremity as in most
of the predaceous flies. To facilitate this protrusion of
4

26 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

the piercing parts, the proximal portion is more or less
membranous and retractile; or, the inner organs may be
capable of elongation, being coiled np in some cases, as
in Pangoniat within the pharyngeal cavity. The pair of
organs at the extremity, the lips or labella, are very va-
riable in shape, position and function. In the mosquito,
for instance,, they serve merely as a pair of fingers to
guide the piercing parts. In many of the flower-flies with
long proboscis, they are small, oval, divaricable organs,
that seem to be chiefly sense organs, as they are usually
provided with hairs inserted in small, semi-translncent
spots on the outer sides and margins. In the greater
number of flies, however, the labella are of considerable
size, and are provided with radiating ridges on the inner,
opposable sides. These pseudotracheas, as they are call-
ed, serve as means of attrition, by which the insects rub
off particles of food from firm substances. Sometimes
the labella are long and slender and folded back under
the labium when at rest. In the Asilidse and some others,
they are rigid and horny*

Perhaps the most important of all the mouth-parts,
from the systematic stand point, are the maxillary palpi.
They are inserted at the inferior basal part of the pro-
boscis, on a thin plate which bears the maxillae, and
are always extricated. Their study has been much neg-
lected, and doubtless thorough comparative researches
will reveal not a few characters of value in classification.
They are variously described as being composed of from
one to five joints.* There are never more than four articu-
lated joints, the basal joint being merely a process of the
plate bearing the maxillae. The tendency in diptera is
toward their entire loss, and in the more highly special-
ized families there is never more than one joint. They

Theobald saya some Culicidae have six joints, but his statement
needs confirmation.

ANTRNN.K.

27

may be reduced to the merest vestiges even in flies which
are more or less predaceous in habit and which have the
mouth-parts, with the exception of the mandibles, other-
wise well developed ; they may indeed be absent or pres-
ent in otherwise closely related genera of flies. They are
seldom much elongated, save among some of the Nemo-
cera.

ANTENNAE.

Fig. 5. Antennae. 1, Tipulidse {Polymera, female); 2, Tipulidse
(Rhipidia, male); 3. Culicidte (Aedes, male); 4, Tabanidse (Stibaso-
wa)\ 5, Kmpididae {Orapetis); 6, Syrphidae ( Volucella); 7, Tachinidae
( Gonia).

No other organs furnish so many or so important char-
-acters in the classification of Diptera as do the antennse,
or feelers as they are sometimes called. The number,
shape and arrangement of the joints or segments offer
not only the best of specific characters in nearly all cases,
but also not rarely generic, family and even subordinal
characters. Only in very exceptional instances is the
number less than three, and it is probable that, even

28 NORTH AMERICAN DIl'TKRA.

in those, there is only a partial atrophy of the basal joint.
Some Cecidomyidse and Leptidae (Rhachicerus) have as
many as twenty-eight distinct joints, and it has been said
there are as many as thirty-nine in some Cecidomyidae
(Cerodoziaf), but I can find no certain evidence support-
ing such a statement. Through all the Cyclorrhapha
the number three, or very rarely less, is constant. In
the nematocerous Orthorrhapha the number is usually
from eight to sixteen, though in rare cases there may be
as few as six. In such antennae the first two joints are
called the scape, and they are always more or less differ-
entiated from the remaining segments which compose the
flagellum. When the antennae are long, or more or less
filiform, the joints of the flagellum often bear whorls or
verticils of hairs, especially in the males, and these hairs
are sometimes of very peculiar structure, sometimes loop-
ed; in such antennae, also, the joints may have a long
and abundant plumosity.

The scape in all flies usually bears bristles or bristle-
like hairs; the joints of the flagellum seldom. Upon the
structure of the antennae alone, however, it is difficult, if
not impossible, to distinguish any of the larger groups of
diptera, since those with long and multiarticulate antennae
merge very gradually into forms with shorter antennae
and fewer joints. Or, the separate joints of the flagel-
lum may be fused so closely as to be distinguishable
with difficulty, so that the third joint, or the basal part
of the flagellum, may appear to be of a simple, undiffer-
entiated structure, though upon closer examination found
to be composed of distinct segments or annuli; in such
cases the term complex is applied to the apparent joint.
This peculiar structure will be readily understood by the
examination of the antennae of a common horsefly (fig.
5, 4), where the enlarged third joint is observed to be
composed of a large basal piece and a terminal portion

ANTENN/E.

29

of four closely united segments. By the comparison of a
horsefly's antennae with that of a Bibio and that of a mos-
quito it will be easily understood that the complex third
joint is merely the closer fusion of the real joints of the
flagellum, though I know of no instance of a complex
joint having more than eight segments. Nor is the horse-
fly's so-called third antennal joint homologous with that
of the housefly, but rather with the joint and the 'arista'
combined. Either the complex or the simple third joint
may terminate in a more or less slender, and more or less
freely differentiated portion called the style, or in a bris-
tle-like, elongated portion, called an arista. It is very
evident, however, that the style or arista represents
merely attenuated distal joints of the flagellum, since a
close examination of them will invariably, or almost in-
variably, disclose from two to five segments (fig. 5, 7),
though some may be very small or almost completely
atrophied. The arista therefore as might be supposed,
is not sharply distinguishable from a slender style; in-
deed the arista always, or almost always, has its basal
portion thickened more or less, in some cases so much so
as to form a real though short style provided with a long
bristly extremity; and the style is often provided with a
short bristly end. An examination of the antennae of the
Leptidae and Stratiomyidae, figured further on, will make
these statements clear. The arista or style is of course
not at all apparent in the Nemocera, since the antennal
structure is here generalized, and it maybe entirely want-
ing among the Brachycera, either because the distal
flagellar joints have not become at all differentiated, as
may be observed in Xylophagus of the L,eptidae, or because
there has been an actual atrophy of the distal part of the
antennae; but the cases are rare where some of the flag-
ellar joints beyond the basal one are not observable in
flies, albeit very rudimentary. Whenever the style or

3°

NORTH AMERICAN DIITKRA.

arista is composed of numerous segments, the basal piece
of the complex third joint has necessarily fewer segments,
since both together never have more than eight. The
style, as the term is usually applied, is always terminal;
while the arista may be either terminal or dorsal, usually
the latter, and it may even be inserted close to the base
of the third joint. It is also apparent here, and this is
the rule among the Cyclorrhapha, that the basal position
is in reality due to the greater development of the under
side of the joint, by which the width has greatly exceeded
the length. The style is only rarely present in the Cy-
clorrhapha ( Crr/a, Conops), and in but few known instances
is the arista aborted in this suborder.

. i

v^

J

x%m>

\ %

• ^.

w

Fig. (■>. Talarotera nigripennisx head <>t" male from in front, much

enlarged.

The first two antenual joints, that is the scape, are, as
has been said, usually provided with hairs or bristles,

THORAX.

31

but they rarely take on an extraordinary development.
One or the other or both maybe greatly elongated (see
fig. 19, Bombyliidae), or one or the other maybe greatly
swollen (see Therevidse). The third joint, however,
has in some eases assumed most marvelous shapes, as
among the Stratiomyidse ( Neochauna), or Tachinidae
( Talarocera, figs. 6, 7, Schizotachina, Dichoccra, etc.)

iP^

Fig. 7. Talarocera nigripennis, male and female antennae, from the

side, much enlarged.

Often the arista has short hairs fringing the upper
and lower sides, in which eases it is called pubescent
(fig. 5, 5); when the hairs are longer and more feather-
like (fig. 5, 6), the arista is said to he plumose; or, if the
hairs are fewer and stronger and confined to one side,
pectinated. The pubescence or plumosity is almost always
more marked on the upper side of the arista; the pecti-
nation is very rarely on the under side (Ommatius, Asi-
lidae).

THORAX.

The thorax is composed, as in other insects, of three
parts, the pi ^-thorax, the /;/<^>c?-thorax and the meta-
thorax, but the first and the last are so aborted as to pre-
sent but few anatomical characters. The prothorax is
perhaps most readily distinguishable in the nematocer-
ous flies, forming a rounded collar back of the neck. The

32

NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

metathorax is not seen at all from above; the seutellum,
cut off by an impressed line, usually a semi-oval body,
really belongs to the mesothorax, the dorsum of which
is often called the mesonotum.

Transverse suture, an impressed line usually running
straight across the mesonotum and terminating a little in
front of the root of the wings. It is more or less incom-
plete in the middle.

Humerus or humeral callus, each of the anterior superior
angles of the mesothorax, usually a more or less rounded
callus.

Post-alar callus, a more or less distinct, rounded swell-
ing, situated between the root of the wing and the scu-
tellum.

Pre-alar callus, a similar, but usually less prominent,
projection situated before the root of the wings on the
sides of the mesonotum, just back of the outer ends of
the transverse suture.

Scutellar bridge, a small ridge on either side of the scu-
tellum, connecting it with the mesonotum.

Presutural depression, a depression, usually triangular
in shape, at the outer ends of the transverse suture, near
the dorsopleural suture.

Supra-alar groove, a groove on the mesothorax imme-
diately above the root of the wings, along the inner mar-
gin of which there are, usually, characteristic bristles.

Fig. 8. Pleural divisions of
Syrphus.

Pro, propleura.
Meso, niesopleura.
Sterno, sternopleura.
Ptero, pteropleura.
Hypo, hypopleura.
Mela, metapleura.

THORAX. 33

Notopleural or dorsopleural suture, the .suture running
from the humerus to the root of the wings, separating
the mesonotum from the pleura.

Sternopleural suture, the suture below the dorsopleural
suture, nearly parallel with it and separating the meso-
pleura from the sternopleura.

Mesopleural suture, the suture running from the root of
the wings downward and separating the mesopleura from
the pteropleura.

Mesopleura, the space situated in front of the root of the
wings, between the dorsopleural and sternopleural su-
tures.

Pteropleura, situated below the root of the wings, back
of the mesopleural suture.

Sternopleura, the lower part of the pleura, below the
sternopleural suture and above the front coxa.

Hypopleura, the space over the middle and hind coxae,
below the metapleura.

Metapleura, the 'sides of the metanotum', a more or
less swollen space at the outside of the metanotum and
between it and the pteropleura and hypopleura.

Metanotum, the oval, arched portion below or behind
the scutellum. It is frequently most easily observable in
flies with a long, slender abdomen, as the Tipulidae.

Halteres, balancers or poisers, rudimentary posterior
wings, a slender organ with a dilated head, situated be-
low each metapleura.

Squama, Tegulce or Calyptrcc, a pair of membranous
scales situated above the halteres and back of the root of
the wings, one above the other. The lower one or both
may be rudimentary or absent ; the upper one moves with
the wings and is called the antitegula by Osten Sacken.
Comstock, however, objects to this use of tegula, saying
that the term was first used for the cup-like scale above
the root of the wing in certain hymenoptera, and should
5

M

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

be reserved for that organ ; he calls them alula, a term
generally applied to the proximal posterior lobe of the
wing.

Fig. 9. Legs. 1, leg of Tipulid; 2, middle leg of Peckia praceps,
male; 3, hind foot of Mallophora scopipeda, male; 4. hind leg of
Tropidia quadrata; 5, last tarsal joint of Dialysis; 6, front leg of
Stegana Inner, malt-; 7, hind leg Rnopalomera ciliata; 8, hind leg of
Calotarsa, male.

LEGS.

The three pairs of legs are attached to the prothorax,
nRsothorax and metathorax, and are called, respeetively
the front, middle and hind pairs. When the front and
middle pairs are spoken of together they should be call-

LEGS. 35

ed, for the sake of exactness, the anterior legs; when the
middle and hind pairs are collectively meant, the poste-
rior legs. The legs are composed of five parts:

Coxa, the part attaching the legs proper to the thorax.

Trochanter, the short, small, ring-like portion between
the femur and coxa.

Femur, almost invariably the longest and stoutest por-
tion of the legs, often provided with tubercles, spines or
projections or sometimes greatly thickened; usually
slender.

Tibia, the next part succeeding the femur, and like it
often with various ornamentations or projections. When
it terminates in one or more distinct, short, bristly spines,
it is said to be spurred.

Tarsus, the distal division of the legs, composed (ex-
cept in some abnormal forms) of five joints, of which the
first, that next to the tibia, is called the metatarsus. On
the terminal, or fifth joint, are the

Ungues or claws, usually two, curved, movable hook-
lets on the under side of the last tarsal joint, at the base
of which below, are a pair of

Pulvilli (fig. 10), two pad-like, fleshy cushions attached
to the last joint of the tarsus
below the claw, usuallypres-
ent, but often absent among
the Orthorrhapha and often
much larger and better de-
veloped in the male than the
female. They are sometimes
elongate, but are more usu-
ally rounded, and provided
with hairs. Between them is Fig. 10. Claws and pulvilli of
the domestic fly. After Kellogg.

Empodium, a median appendage on the under side of
and between the claws, either in the form of a pad, like
the pulvilli (fig. 9-5 ), when it is called pulvilliform, or
like a bristle or spine (see Asilidse, fig. 31), sometimes

36

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

it is alone present and the pul villi are wanting (see
Bibionidse, fig. 7a).

Fig. 11. Male genitalia. 1, Tipulidse [Diotrepha)\ 2 TipulitUe
[Atarba);-$, Tipulidae (indet.)i 4. Culicidae {Aedes); 5 Dolichopodi-

dae (/Jo/ic/io/>i/s)\ 6. A>ili<la± [Astltts).

ABDOMEN.

The abdomen is composed of a variable number cf seg-
ments, m6re or less closely fused together. The normal
number for insects, nine, are rarely all visible (the Tip-
ulidae are examples). They are counted from the base
on the upper side. In not a few cases the first two are
so closely fused together, and the first one abbreviated,
that the nomenclature leaves some doubt in themiud oi
the student. The upper part of the abdomen may be es-
pecially indicated by the word dorsum, but in general, the

WINGS.

37

venter or under part is alone thus contradistinguished,
The male genitalia, which in many cases are of compli-
cated structure, and of much value in classification, are
known collectively as the hypopygium, and this term is
usually restricted to the male genitalia, though some-
times used also for the female organs. The ovipositor of
the female abdomen very frequently projects from the
abdomen, and is sometimes extremely long; its structure
may be characteristic of genera or families. The more
detailed description of the parts of both these organs it
is unnecessary to go into here; they may be studied in
the different families, where they often find useful appli-
cation in the separation of species, though rarely of

genera.

Fi^. 12. Win^r of Tabanus.

WINGS.
To understand the venation or neuration of the wings
the student may select a common large horsefly ( T-aban-
idse). Observe near the middle of the wing directed
transversely, a large, oblong, five or six sided cell, sur-
rounded on all sides by other cells. This is the discal
cell and is present in nearly all flies. Somewhere on the
vein (fourth longitudinal), that bounds this cell in front,
will be seen a short connecting vein, directed anteriorly,

38

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

the anterior, small or middle cross-vein fbj, which is very
constant in flies, and affords in most cases, a key to the
venation, no matter how intricate. It connects with the
third longitudinal vein in front (in a few cases the sec-
ond longitudinal vein); the cell behind it is the discal,
in front, between the second and third longitudinal veins,
the first sub 'marginal; on the outer side the first posterior;
on the inner side the first basal. Just back of the first
basal cell and separated from it by the fourth longitud-
inal vein, is the second basal cell; back of the second basal
and separated by the fifth longitudinal vein, is the third
basal or anal cell. Back of the anal cell and including
the free posterior proximal portion of the wing is the ax-
illary cell. In the horsefly the anal cell is seen to run back
obliquely to near the posterior margin of the wing, where
it terminates acutely, that is, the anal cell is closed near
the border of the wing; should the two veins that close
it run separately into the margin of the wing, then the
cell is said to be open. Counting from the third longi-
tudinal vein (posterior branch) backward along the pos-
terior border of the wing, to the vein that closes the anal
cell outwardly, the student will count five different cells,
the first of which, as already said, borders on the first
basal cell, the second and third on the discal cell, the
fourth on the discal and second basal cell, and the fifth
on the second basal and anal cells; these cells are called
the posterior cells, and are numbered from before back;
ih^ first is bounded by the third and fourth longitudinal
and the anterior cross- vein; the second posterior by the
anterior branch of the fourth vein in front, its posterior
branch internally and behind, often superfluously called
the anterior intercalary vein; the third posterior cell is
bounded in front by the posterior branch of the fourth
vein, internally by the posterior cross vein (d), posteriorly by
the anterior branch of the fifth vein; the fourth posterior

WINGS. 39

cell is bounded in front and internally by the anterior
branch of the fifth vein, bordering the discal and basal
cells, posteriorly by the posterior branch of the fifth,
often also superfluously called the posterior intercalary
vein ; this cell in other flies often borders on the discal
cell alone internally ; the fifth posterior cell is bounded in
front by the posterior branch of the fifth vein, internally
by the petiole of the fifth vein, posteriorly or internally
by the posterior basal cross-vein. There is much doubt as
to whether this latter is really a cross-vein in the more
evident meaning of the word, or whether it really repre-
sents the primary branch of the fifth vein, since in many
flies this is the only termination of the vein, the anterior
branches being wholly wanting. The short vein which
separates the discal cell from the second basal cell is often
called the anterior basal cross-vein; sometimes the discal
cross-vein, which would be the better term, were it not to
be confused with the posterior cross-vein itself. Follow-
ing the third longitudinal vein outwardly it will be found
to give off an anterior branch, which runs forward to ter-
minate in the anterior marginal vein of the wing, the
costa; the cell included in this fork, between the branch
and the vein itself is called the second submarginal cell,
and this name should always be restricted to the cell so
bounded, though usually the cell enclosed between the
branches of the second longitudinal vein in the Culicidse,
Tipulidse, etc., receives this name. The second longi-
tudinal vein borders the first submarginal cell in front
and terminates in the costa, as the encompassing vein of
the wing is called; in a relatively few flies this vein also
gives off a branch in front, dividing the marginal cell
just as the submarginal cell is divided in Tabanus. Be-
tween the first longitudinal vein, which has a similar
course to that of the second longitudinal, though shorter,
and the vein in front of it, between it and the costal bor-

,,, NORTH AMERICAN DIPTRR \.

der, and called the auxiliary vein, is the subcostal cell;
between the auxiliary vein and the costal border itself is
the costal cell.

Finally, neai the root ol the wins;, a short, but very
constant cross vein connecting the auxiliary vein with
the costs is the humeral cross-vein (a).

The above is the nomenclature of the wins; now having
almost universal vogue among descriptive entomologists,

a system which, with minor modifications, has been used

almost from the beginning ot descriptive dipterology. it

has no especial superiority over other systems to com
mend it, nor has it any striking disadvantages to eon

* SmImW,,/

Fig. 13. Wing of Pangonia. Schiner's nomenclature.

1. costal cell; 2, mediastinal cell; 3, subcostal cell; 4, 5, cubital cells;
6, ;, 8,9, 11, first fifth posterioi cells; \i. discoidal cell; 13, 14, 15,
firsl third basal cells; 16, axillary cell.

demn it; and long usage has apparently fixed it. An
other system in vogue at the present time among a few
dipterological ant hoi dies is that used by Schiner in his
later writings, and, which, could it displace the older
system, would have much to commend it. It will be
readily understood by the comparis< o oJ the two figures
given. The only contusion it makes with the older
system is in the use ol mediastinal cell for subcostal and
subcostal for marginal, and this confusion is actually

apparent in the writings ot some authors, ol whom Yei
rail is an example.

WINGS.

41

Fig. 14. Wing of Silvius. Comstock-Needhatn nomenclature.

A third system is that proposed by Comstoek and
Needham about ten years ago, but which has found
practically no acceptance among dipterologists, with the
exception of one or two American writers. There is
much to be said in favor of a universal system of nomen-
clature among entomologists, a consummation devoutly
to be wished. The present work, however, is no place
for propagandism, and the common nomenclature has
been everywhere employed in the following pages. The
individual writer may do as he chooses in the use of
either of the three systems, though he would do well to
remember that ephemeral writings or briefer communi-
cations will suffer by the use of any except the standard;
only thorough monographic studies with abundant illus-
trations will do much toward commanding the acceptance
of either of the less used nomenclatures. I give below
in tabular form the synonymy of the three systems for
the Tabanus wing:

Auxiliary vein .
First longitudinal .
Second longitudinal
Third longitudinal .
Fourth longitudinal
Fifth longitudinal .

II Subcostal
IIIi Radial 1 .
III3 Radial 3 .
1114,5 Radial 4, 5
Vi,2 Cubital 1, 2
V3 Cubital 3 .

Mediastinal

Subcostal

Radial

Cubital

Discoidal

Postical

42

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTRRA.

& R.

MAC*. **+&,

FiK- 15-

Rhyphus

(Rhyphidse),

Fig. 16.

it Enlonchus

(Cyrtidse).

Fig. 17.

Pantarbes

(Bombyliidae),

Fig. 18.

Cot/ops

(Conopidae).

Cxa+ 1st A

Fig. 19.

*l«« See nop in us

(Scenopinidae).

Fig. 20.

Rhatnphomyia

(Empididse.)

nr^Cu,

Venation, after Comstock and Needliam.

VESTITURE.

43

Sixth longitudinal .

IX Anal .

Anal

Humeral cross-vein

• • (

v) Basal cross-vein

Anterior cross-vein .

(«0

Median cross-vein

Posterior cross-vein

(x) Posterior cross-vein

Anterior basal or discal cross-vein (y) Discoidal cross-vein

Costal cell

2tidl .

. Costal

Subcostal cell .

II

. Mediastinal

Marginal cell

III

Subcostal

First submarginal cell

III3 .

First cubital

Second submarginal cell

III4 .

Second cubital

First basal cell

211(1111

First basal

Second basal cell

V

Second basal

Anal cell ....

VIII .

. Third basal

Axillary cell

IX

Axillary

First posterior cell .

. 1115 . .

First posterior

Second posterior cell

VI

Second posterior

Third posterior cell

21ldV2

Third posterior

Fourth posterior cell

. v3 . .

Fourth posterior

Fifth posterior cell .

VIII .

Fifth posterior

Discal cell

1st V2

Discoidal

VESTITURE.
Flies differ much in the nature of their vestiture.
Many are nearly or quite bare; others have a thick,
woolly covering of closely set, fine hair; while others
still are covered abundantly with a long, stout and heavy
bristles or macrochsetse. Doubtless the vestiture has an
intimate relation with the habits of the mature insect;
just what the relations of the different kinds are, is
not yet well understood. Osten Sacken has observed that
the eremochsetous kinds (that is those diptera in which
there is a general absence of bristles, as, for example,
the Stratiomyidse, Leptidae and Tabanidse) are, for the
most part, holoptic in the male sex, and at the same time
are chiefly aerial in habit, flying swiftly and often hov-
ering, using the legs only for alighting and resting. On
the contrary, the chaetophorous flies (as the Museidae in
the wide sense, Phoridse, Dolichopodidae, Asilidae, etc.)

44

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

are for the most part ambulatory insects, using their legs
as much as, sometimes more than the wings in locomo-
tion; or, if not, for grasping, seizing or holding their
prey; they seldom have the eyes contiguous in the male
sex. Probably the maeroelueta? reach their highest de-
velopment among the Tachinidie, as for instance in

Fig. 21. Paradejeania, sp. (Brazil). Enlarged.

Dejeania, Paradejeania, etc., and the Dexiidae (//rs-
trichodexia) , where the abdomen may be almost covered
with long, erect, very rigid spines.

As concerns other kinds of vestiture, the usage of
writers is not very exact; the terms hair, pile, pubes-
cence, tomentum, being used with a wide degree of lati-
tude. In general, however, pile should be restricted to
indicate closely and thickly set, erect, fine hair like the
pile of velvet; while the term hair may be used to desig-
nate longer, less erect, and less abundant pelage. Pu-

CH^STOTAXY. 45

bescence should be restricted to short, recumbent, fine
hairs, while tomentum can only correctly be used as the
designation for flattened, scale-like or stubble-like, more
or less recumbent hairs, which gradually merge into dust
ox pollen, which is so generally present in diptera, and
upon which the determination of many species must
largely depend.

CH^TOTAXY.

Many years ago Rondani proposed the term macrochce-
t& for the large, differentiated bristles of flies, and sug-
gested their use in classification, though he made but
little use of them himself. L,oew also failed to appre-
ciate their full significance in the classification of diptera,
although he made considerable use of them, examples of
which may be found in his diagnostic characterization of
the Helomyzidae and Ortalidae. It was Osten Sacken
who proposed the term chcetotaxy to designate the science
of their arrangement, and who published an epoch-mak-
ing paper on the subject in 1881. Girschner, later, ex-
tended the system more widely for the calyptrate diptera.
At the present time a thorough knowledge of chaetotaxy
is indispensable for all who would deal with those fami-
lies, especially of the Cyclorrhapha, in which they are,
for the most part, so conspicuous, and upon which the
generic and specific distributions so much depend. Osten
Sacken, indeed, makes the arrangement of the bristles
almost fundamental as indices of relationships, and exag-
gerates their importance in some instances, especially so
when he would locate the Apioceridae with the Asilidae,
almost solely on their chaetophorous character. Hilari-
viorpha he refuses admission to the Empididae chiefly be-
cause of the absence of bristles, forgetting that some true
Empididae also absolutely lack bristles. However it
may be in particular instances, there can be no question
6

46 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

but that the number and arrangement of bristles in most
cases offer important, in some eases perhaps the only,
available criteria in generic classification. For that rea-
son it behooves the student to become familiar with the
subject, and to pay especial attention to their use in
many, if not most of the groups.

Cephalic bristles.

Vertical, two pairs, inner and outer, inserted more or
less behind the upper and inner corner of the eye, erect
or the inner pair convergent, the outer divergent; the
outer pair is usually the smaller and more frequently
absent.

Postvertical, in the middle, near or back of the vertex,
convergent, erect or divergent; usually small, and often
absent.

Ocellar, situated close to the ocelli, usually the foremost
ocellus; usually directed forward; often minute or absent.

Frontal, a row of bristles on either side of the median
vitta descending often to or below the root of the anten-
nae on the side of the face anteriorly; of much use in the
classification of the Calypterae.

Fronto-orbital, a bristle or bristles on each side of the
front near the orbit, immediately below the vertical bris-
tles; there may be one, two, or none on each side.

Lower fronto-orbital , situated on the lower part of the
front near the eyes, and not quite in line with the fronto-
orbitals. They are not of frequent occurrence.

Cruciate, a pair of bristles in the middle of the lower
part of the front, directed inwardly and forwardly ; ob-
served in some Calypterae and Acalypterae.

Vibrissa, a stout bristle situated near or a little above
the oral margin, near the front edge of the mouth open-
ing; of important use in the classification of the Acalyp-
terae.

Facial, a scries of bristles on either side of the middle

MESONOTAL BRISTLES.

47

of the face, above the vibrissa, especially conspicuous
among many genera of the Tachinidae, but usually ab-
sent in the Acalypterse.

Lateral facial, one or two bristles sometimes present on
the sides of the face below, toward the eye.

Postorbital, a line of small bristles nearly parallel with
the posterior margin of the eye, on the edge of the occiput.

Mesonotal bristles.

Humeral (hm), one or
more bristles inserted on
the humeral callus.

Posthumeral (ph), one or
more bristles situated on
the inner margin of the
humeral callosity.

Notopleural ( ' npl ') , usual-
ly two, inserted immedi-
ately above the dorsopleu-
ral suture, between the
humeral callus and the
root of the wing, on the
bottom of the presutural
depression.

Prcsutural (pr), one or more bristles situated immedi-
ately in front of the transverse suture, above the presu-
tural depression.

Supraalar fsaj, usually one to three bristles above the
root of the wings, between the notopleural and postalar
bristles.

Intraalar fia), sl row or two or three bristles between
the supraalar group and the dorsocentral bristles.

Postala) {pa), bristles on the postalar callus, back of
the supraalar.

Dorsocentral (dc), a row on the inner part of the dorsum,
at the outer side of the acrostichal.

Acrostichal {a), a. row next to the median line, on the
inner side of the dorsocentral; sometimes both the dorso-

Fig. 22. Mesonotal bristles.

48 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

central and acrostichal are represented by the hindmost
bristles forming a prescutellar row in front of the seutel-
lum.

Scutellar, bristles along the margin of the seutellum,
which may be distinguished from the Dorsoscutellar.

Pleural bristles.

Propleural, a. bristle or bristles inserted on the lower
part of the propleura, immediately above the front coxa.

Mesopleural, bristles inserted on the mesopleura, near
the angle formed by the dorsopleural and mesopleural
sutures.

Sternopleural, one or several bristles below the sterno-
pleural suture; mesothoracic of Loew.

Pteropleuraly bristles inserted on the pteropleura, rarely
present and difficult to distinguish.

Metapleural, bristles inserted on the metapleura, es-
pecially conspicuous in the Asilidae, and named by
Lynch the

Trichostical bristles, a fan-like row on the metapleura,
conspicuous in some families.

Hypopleural bristles, a row or tuft of usually small bris-
tles on the hypopleura, occurring in the Tachinidse,
Dexiidse, Sarcophagidae, and a part of the Muscidae, first
recognized by Osten Sacken.

Abdominal bristles.

Marginal bristles, bristles inserted on the posterior
margins of the segments above, especially conspicuous
in many Tachinidae.

Discal bristles, usually one or more pairs inserted near
the middle of the segments before the hind margins.

Lateral bristles, one or more bristles situated on or
near the lateral margins of the segments.

In addition, a number of terms are used to designate
the inclination of the bristles, often important in describ-
ing the cephalic bristles. The more important of these

INTERNAL ANATOMY. 49

are : erect, when standing perpendicularly or nearly so ;
proclinate, when directed forward ; reclinate when directed
backward; divaricate or divergent when directed outward
from the middle line ; convergent when directed inwardly;
decussate or cruciate when crossing each other.

INTERNAL ANATOMY.

For the following brief account of the internal anatomy
of Diptera I am indebted to Prof. V. L. Kellogg.

The special features of the internal structure of the
Diptera are the high degree of concentration of the nerv-
ous system attained in some of the members of the order,
the expansion of the two main tracheal trunks in the base
of the abdomen to form air sacs, the presence of a suck-
ing stomach as in the L,epidoptera, the constant number
(four, rarely five) of the Malphigian tubes, and the ab-
sence of a bursa copulatrix in the females.

The alimentary canal presents behind the oesophagus
an expansion which is a crop or sucking stomach. The
ventriculus, or true stomach, lying behind it, has usually
two caeca; and the long, slender, Malphigian vessels are,
in almost all species, four in number, a surprising con-
stancy compared with the condition in other groups of
specialized insects. The vessels open singly into the ali-
mentary canal in some flies and in others they unite in
pairs before reaching the canal and open into it by two
ducts.

The heart is of the usual type, but with only two cham-
bers in the more specialized families, owing to the con-
centration of the body. In the larva of Corethra the heart
is a simple, elongate tube without chambers.

The two main tracheal trunks expand at the base of
the abdomen into conspicuous air sacs similar to those
found among Hymenoptera, L,epidoptera, the lamellicorn
beetles and some other insects. The two pairs of spira-

50 NORTH AMERICAN DII'TERA.

cles of the thorax are provided with 'vocal cords', and a
considerable part of the humming sound is produced by
those structures. The abdominal spiracles of some flies
are as primitive as are to be found among insects, being
simply unlipped openings.

The condition of the nervous system varies greatly
within the order. In the elongate, more generalized ne-
matocerous forms there are five or six abdominal ganglia,
and three distinct thoracic ganglia. From this condition
to that shown by the Muscidae, where all the thoracic
and abdominal ganglia are united into one large gang-
lion in the thorax, a most instructive series of gradatoi v
forms is presented. In the Empididae, which stand in-
termediately as regards the concentration of the ventral
cord, the two anterior thoracic ganglia are fused into
one ; this condition is radically different from that shown
by insects of other orders, as the Ccleoptera, Lepidcp-
tera and Hymenoptera, which have but two thoracic
ganglia. In these insects, however, it is the two poste-
rior ganglia (meso- and metathoracic) which are fused
into one.

The studies of Child on the so-called Johnston's organ
(located in the second anteunal joint), an elaborate struc-
ture of fine chitin rods connected with special nerve cells
and these connected by fine nerves with the main anten-
ual nerve, seem to ascribe definitely an auditory function
to the antennae. Kellogg has shown that the divided
eyes of such flies as the Blepharoceridae and others ( in-
dicated externally by the division of the corneal facets
into two regions in which the facets are of different size )
are in reality made up two types of ommatidia, one type
being much larger and much less strongly supplied with
retinal pigment than the other type. This condition pro-
duces a certain sort of differentiation of the visual func-
tion, one part of the eye being better adapted for seeing

Ch AvSSIFI CATION OF DIPTKRA. 5I

swiftly moving objects, or in twilight than the other, but
the other part better adapted for the formation of a pre-
cise image.

Special nerve structures are present at the base of the
halteres, and orienting, auditory and other sense func-
tions have been ascribed to these organs by various mor-
phologists. Flies from which these organs have been
removed are utterly unable properly to direct their flight.

The internal organs of the reproductive sj'Stem present
some interesting peculiarities. The ovaries of the female
consist of an exceptionally large number of egg-tubes.
There are three spermathecse, paired accessor)' organs,
and no true bursa copulatrix. The males have two oval
testes with short vasa defferentia. The testes are not
infrequently colored, possessing a pigment layer. There
is a well developed penis with accessory copulatory or-
gans. Snodgrass' interesting studies on the comparative
anatomy of the external genital organs show that while
there may be great variety in these structures among the
males of any one family, the females, curiously enough,
show a remarkable uniformity of the hypopygial organs.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTERA.

The first real attempt at the subdivision of the order of
Diptera was made by L,atreille in 1805, when he distin-
guished between the nematocerous and brachycerous
forms. The term Nemocera was introduced by him in
1817, and the. characters upon which he based the group
are yet employed. The name Brachocera was applied to
the remaining Diptera by Macquart in 1834. The char-
acters he used, following Fatreille, were :

Antennae at least six-jointed; palpi four or five-jointed. Nemocera.
Antennae three-jointed; palpi one or two-jointed. Brachycera.

This attempt at subdivision, based upon the antennae
and palpi, was all that had been made until a compara-

52 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

tively recent date. It is the classification followed by
Loew in the first volume of the Monographs published as
late as 1862. In 1863 Brauer proposed a more rational
division of the Diptera into the two suborders, Ortho-
rrhapha and Cyclorrhapha, based chiefly upon larval and
pupal characters. Their characters in a later publica-
tion he gives as follows:

Larvae with a 'jaw-capsule' (Kieferkapsel) or a differentiated head.
Pupae free or enclosed in the larval skin; in either case the larval skin
hursts for the extrication of the pupa or imago in a T-shaped opening
on the back of the anterior end, or rarely in a transverse rent between
the eighth and ninth abdominal rings. The imago lacks the frontal
lunule and ptilinum Orthorrhapha.

Larvae without differentiated head. Pupae always enclosed in the
hardened larval skin (forming the so-called puparium ) ; the imago al-
ways escaping from the anterior end through a circular orifice. Frontal
lunule present; ptilinum usually present. . . Cyclorrhapha.

More recently Brauer proposed a further subdivision
of the suborders into tribes and groups as follows:

BRAUER'S CLASSIFICATION.
Suborder Orthorrhapha.
Section I. Nematocera.

Tribe I. Eucephala. Families Mycetophilidae, Bibionidse, Chi-
ronomidae.Culicidae, Blepharoceridte, Simuliidae, Psychodidae,
Ptychopteridee, Rhyphidae.

Tribe 2. Oligoneura. Family Cecidomyidae.

Tribe 3. Polyneura. Tipulidae, Lininobiidae.

Section II. Brachycera.

Tribe 4. Acroptera. Family Lonchopteridae.
Tribe 5. Platygenya.

Group 1. Homoodactyia.

Superfamily 1. Notacantha. Families Stratiomyidee,

Xylophagidae.

Superfamily 2. Tanystoina. Families Tabanidae, Acan-

thomeridse, Leptidae.

Superfamily 3. Bombylimorpha. Families Nemistrin-
idae, Acroceridas.

Group 2. Heterodactyla.

Superfamily 1. Procephala. Families Mydaidae, Asil-
idae, Bombyliidae.

Tribe 6. Orthogenya. Families Empidae, Dolicbopodidse.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTERA. 53

Suborder Cylorrhapha.
Section I. Aschiza.

Tribe i. Syrphidae. Families vSyrphidae, Pipunculidae.
Tribe 2. Hypocera. Families Pboridae, Platypezidae.
Section II. Schizophora.
Tribe 3. Eumyidae.

Superfamily Scbizometopa. Calypteraeof the present work.
Superfamily Holometopa. Acalypterae of the present work.
Tribe 4. Pupipara. Pupipara of authors, Eproboscidea.

SCHINER'S CLASSIFICATION.
Orthorliapha.
Nematocera.

Oligoneura — Cecidomyidae, Mycetophilidae, Simulidae, Bi-

bionidae.
Polyneura — Chironomidae, Blepharoceridae, Psychodidae, Cu-
licidae, Tipulidse, Dexidae, Rhyphidae.
Brachocera.

Cyclocera — Stratiomyidae, Xylophagidae, Coenomyidae, Acan-

thomeridae, Tabanidae.
Orthocera — Nemistrinidae, Bombylidae, Acroceridae, There-
vidae, Midasidae, Asilidae, Eeptidae, Empidae, Dolichopidae.
Cyclorhapha.

Proboscidea.

Hypocera — Pboridae.
Orthocera.
Oligoneura.

Muscidae acalypterse — Borborinae, Phycodrominae, Scato-
phaginae, Thyreophinae, Rhopalomerinae, Helomyzinae,
Dryomyzinae, Sciomyzinae, Tetanocerinae, Geomyzinae,
Drosophilinae, Ephydrinae, Chloropinae, Psilinae, Sep-
sinse, Calobatinae, Michogastrinae, Achinae, Diopsidinae,
Dacinae, Trypetinae, Sapromyzinae, Ulidinae, Platysto-
minae, Dorycerinae, Pyrgotinae, Ortalinae, Agromyzinae,
Milichinae, Ochthiphilinae, Heteroneurinas, Cordylu-
rinae.
Muscidae calypterae— Tachininae, Muscinae, Dexinae, Sar-

cophaginae, Anthomyinae.
Oestridae.
Polyneura— Platypezidae, Pipunculidae, Syrphidae, Conopidae.
Eproboscidea — Hippoboscidae, Nycteribidae.

54 NORTH AMERICAN DIFTKRA.

OSTEN SACKEN'S CLASSIFICATION.
Osten Sacken has offered many pertinent criticisms of
Brauer's classification, insisting that the Nemocera and
Brachycera are divisions of more fundamental importance
than was assigned to them by Braner. His classification,
so far as it was developed by him, is as follows:

Suborder Orthorrhapha Nematocera. Palpi usually four or five-jointed,

pendulous and more or less filiform. Antennae many jointed | more

than six-jointed), usually filiform (seldom pectinate), with the

majority of the joints of the flagellum homologous (homomor-

phous) .

Superfamily Nemocera Vera. Males dichoptic;* no bisection or

bicoloration of the eyes. Antennae provided with sensitive hairs

arranged symmetrically on the flagellum in verticils or pencils

(except Mycetophilidae). No pulvilli;! empodia often, but

not always present.

A. Larvae peripneustic,} always terrestrial. Cecidomyidae, My-
cetophilidse.

B. Larvae peripneustic or amphipneustic, aquatic, subaquatic,
sometimes terrestrial. Culicidae, Chirouomiike, Psychodidae,
Dixidae, Tipulidae.

Superfamily Nemocera Anomala. Diptera with homologous (ho-
momorphous) joints to the flagellum; usually four-jointed palpi.
Males frequently holoptic, sometimes the females also. Pulvilli
usually present. Antennas without sensitive hairs. Ocelli usually
present. Bibionidae, Simulidse, Blepharoceridae. Rhyphidae,
Orphnephilidae.
Suborder Orthorrhapha Brachycera. Palpi not more than two-jointed,
not pendulous, the end joint more or less clavate. and larger than
the basal one; joints of the antennal flagellum, with rare excep-
tions, not homologous.
Superfamily Eremochaeta. No macrochaetae. Three well developed
pulvilli. Males predominately holoptic, the eyes often bisected.
Antennal fkigclluin polymorphous. Axillary incision, alula and
antitegula in most cases distinctly developed. I fiscal cell usnal-

Thev are sometimes truly holoptic.

fRecent investigations show that true pulvilli are sometimes present.
Xmphipneustic larvse are those in which the spiracles are con-
fined to the first and last segments: melapneustic those in which they
are confined to the posterior segments; peripneustic those in which
they are present on the median rings.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTERA. 55

ly developed; usually five posterior cells. Legs rather smooth.

Stratiomyidae, Tabanidae, Acanthomeridae, Leptidae.
Superfamily Tromoptera. Chiefly hovering flies. Nemistrinidae,

Bombyliidae, Cyrtidae, Therevidae, Scenopinidae.
Superfamily Energopoda. Pedestrian flies. Asilidae, Dolichopod-

idae, Lonchopteridae, probably Phoridae.
Superfamily Mydaidae. Mydaidae.
Suborder Cyclorrhapha Athericera. All other flies.

COQUILLETT'S CLASSIFICATION— 1901.
Recently Mr. D. W. Coquillett has proposed another
system, differing from any preceding one, and for the
most part with new names, as follows:

Suborder Eproboscidea Latreille.

Families Hippoboscidae, Nyeteribidae.
Suborder Proboscidea Latreille.

Section Orthorrhapha Brauer.

Subsection Nemocera Latreille.

Superfamily Tipuloidea Coquillett.

Families Tipulidae, Dixidae, Culicidae, Psychodidae,
Stenoxenidae, Chironomidae, Cecidomyidae,
Mycetophilidae.
Superfamily Bibionoidea Coquillett.

Families Bibionidae, Simulidae, Orphnephil-
idae, Belpharoceridae, Rhj'phidae.
Subsection Brachycera Macquart.

Superfamily Tabanoidea Coquillett.

Families Leptidae, Stratiomyidae, Acanthomeridae,
Tabanidae, Acroceridae, Nemistrinidae.
Superfamily Bombyloidea Coquillett.

Families Apioceridae, Mydaidae, Bombylidae.
Superfamily Asiloidea Coquillett.

Families Scenopinidae, Therevidae, Asilidae, Empidae
Dolichopodidae.
Superfamily Phoroidea Coquillett.

Families Lonchopteridae, Phoridae.
Section Cyclorrhapha Brauer.

Superfamily Syrphoidea Coquillett,

Families Platypezidae, Pipunculidae, Syrphidae,
Conopidae.

56

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Superfamily Muscoidea Coquillett.
Group Calypteratae Desvoidy.

Families Oestrida:, Tachinidae, Dexidae, Sar-
cophagidee, Muscidse, Anthotuyidae.
Group Acalypterae Macquart.

Families Scatophagidae, Heteroueuridu_\ Helo-
myzidae, Phycodroniidaj, Sciomyzidae.Sap-
romyzidae, Louchaeida;, Ortalidae, Trypet-
idae, Micropezida:, Sepsidae, Psilidae,
Diopsida;, Oscinidte, Drosophilidiu, Geo-
myzidae, Agromyzidae, Borboridse.

LAMEERE'vS CLASSIFICATION.
Yet another pretentious scheme of the classification of
Diptera is that of Prof. Aug. Lameere of the Univer-
sity of Brussels, which has very recently appeared.*
The meritorious part of this ambitious attempt is the
endeavor to apply the only real criteria in a true classifi-
cation of insects, phylogeny. The author, however, is
in deeper water than he suspected; but the scheme is
worthy of reproduction because of several suggestions,
though its inconsistencies clearly show that the author
has not a wide acquaintance with the order.

Nkmocera.
Polyneura.
Culicidie.

Ptychopteriuae.
Ptychopterini.
Psychodini.
Culicinae.
Dixini.
Culicini.
Chirouomiui.
Tipulidae.

Limobiinae.
Tipulinae.

Oligoueura.

Mycetophilidae.
Mycetophiliuse.
Mycetobiinae.
Cecidomyidae.
Seiarinae.
Cecidomyinae.
Lestreiiiini.
Cecidotnyini.
Heteropezini.

Mem. Soc. Ent. de Belg. xii, 1906. 105.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTFRA.

57

Brachycera.
Metagnatha.
Rhyphidae.
Bibionidae.

Bibioninse.
Bibionini.
Simuliini.
Orpbepbilinae.
Blepharocerinae.
Metarhyncha.

Homoeodactyla.
Stratiomyidae.

Xylopbaginae.
Stratiomyinae.
Leptidae.

Leptinae.
Nemistrinse.
Tabanidae.

Tabaninas.
Acrocerinae.
Heterodactyla.
Pleroneura.
Tberevidae. -
Therevinae.
Therevini.
Scenopinini.
Apioeerinae.

I have given these more pretentious systems of classi-
fication of the diptera in order that the tyro in their study
may not reach the erroneous conclusion that any system
is authoritative. Frankly, I do not have a great deal of
faith in any of them. They are, in part at least, the bi-
ased personal opinions of their authors, their individual
views as to the importance of the different characters,
opinions which can only reach an approximate equilib-
rium after we have a much greater knowledge of ancient
types, and perhaps of the embryology of modern forms.
Upon the whole, Osten Sacken has brought a wealth of
7

Bombylidae.

Anthracinae.

Bombylinae.

Asilidae.

Asilinae.

Midinae (sic).

Eremoneura.

Ortborrhapha.

Empididae.

Enipidinae.

Hybotinae.

Dolichopodidae.

Diaphorinae.

Dolicbopodinae.

Cyclorrbapba.

Syrpharia.

Platypezidae.

Lonchopteridse.

Phoridae.

Pipunculidae.

Syrpbidae.

Myodaria.

Conopidae.

Muscidae.

58

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

information to bear upon his views, though he by no
means claimed finality for them. His exceptions, how-
ever, are so many and oftentimes so pertinent that I am
by no means convinced about many things. Wherein
all writers concur may safely be accepted by the stu-
dent ex autlwritate, but I would advise the inexpert
student to make no use of most of the terms that have
been proposed; nor fret himself about the value of any of
them. The divisions Orthorrhapha and Cyclorrhapha
may perhaps safely be accepted, since all, or nearly all,
are agreed thereon, though by no means agreed as to
their rank and limits. At one time, indeed, they were
almost universally accepted as the two chief suborders,
but within recent years there has been a tendency to sub-
ordinate them to the older groupings of Latreille and
Macquart, perhaps in part due to the influence of Osten
Sacken's authority. Osten Sacken endeavored to show
that the characters recognized as distinctive of the Ne-
mocera and Brachycera are of more fundamental import-
ance than those distinguishing the Orthorrhapha and
Cyclorrhapha. With this view I do not agree. I must
Still accept Brauer's chief divisions, as, upon the whole,
the most natural grouping of the order.

Speiser believes that the Pupipara are only highly
specialized muscids, and it is even doubtful yet whether
some of them may not be oviparous in habit; we know
of one species, at least, wingless and parasitic upon birds
which stands on the border line. Wesche has recently
asserted that the mouth-parts of the Pupipara are thor-
oughly muscid in structure. The vestigial eyes, small
and partly aborted antennae, bristly head, leathery abdo-
men and short stout legs are also characteristic of certain
wingless, parasitic Phoridas, ami certainly no one will
attempt to trace any immediate relationship with these
tlies. I believe there is a much closer relationship be-

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTERA 59

tween the Streblidae and Borboridae, than between the
Borboridae and Empididae, for instance.

I must insist, notwithstanding Osten Sacken's rather
strongly asserted views to the contrary, that there is no
distinct limitation between the Nemocera and Brachycera.
If the reader will turn to the characters given in the fam-
ily table further on, he will, I believe, appreciate the
force of my statement. The antennae of Rhachicerus, a
'brachycerous' fly, are in some respects among the most
primitive or generalized of all diptera: we know of no
living genus, unless it be Cerozodia, from which it could
have been derived; doubtless some ancient tipulid may
have been the forbear of the genus. Of course we can
not positively say that these insects may not have revert-
ed in the structure of the antennae from a specialized to
a generalized condition, but that is very improbable in-
deed— evolution is irreversible. It would seem, however,
that all the Brachycera, save possibly Rhachicerus, have
been evolved from a common ancestor, otherwise we are
at a loss to explain the seemingly strange fact that the
number eight is so common for the segments of the fla-
gellum, and is never exceeded, with the above exception.
If the 'posterior cross-vein' of the Brachycera is identi-
cal with the vein at the outer end of the discal cell in the
Tipulidae and Rhyphidae, then it is apparent that all
families, save these, of the Nemocera, are excluded from
the ancestral line of the Brachycera.

L,ameere, indeed, would divide the Nemocera and Bra-
chycera between the Mycetophilildae and Bibionidae.
But that is only begging the question, the two families
are absolutely coalescent. The fact is that the structure
of the head, antennae, and palpi changes so gradually
from the more generalized to the more specialized forms
that nowhere can we draw an impassable line between
the groups.

,„, NORTH AMBRIC \N DIPTERA.

On the othei hand the structure of the ndult insects
changes so much somewhere in the vicinity <>i the 6yr-
phidse, to say nothing of larval sti ucture m ml li ;i 1 »i t s . that
l believe, ii we must have suborders (which to me does
not seem imperatively necessary) the place to make
the division is somewhere between the Syrphidae and
Dolichopodidse. There are groups here which are oscul-
ant DO doubt B lot of ink has been wasted in their dis-
cussion, but so there arc in all classifications. The
soonei we learn, as learn we must, that dividing lines do
not occur in nature except as accidents, that evolution
never classified anything and never will, the sooner we
shall get over some of the bugbears of taxonomy. The
best we can do is to make such groupings as will express
most clearly and most conveniently relationships, and
especially the phylogeny oi organisms.

As I have already said, a true classification ol the dip-
tera, as ol all othei organisms, is desirable, but not pos-
sible, toi that would mean the absolute perfection i I
dipterological science. An approximation to that finish-
ed perfection is oi course attainable, but that approxima-
tion must depend upon many factors which have as yel
scarcely engaged the attention ol students of diptera.
Their embryology, geological history, geographic dis-
tribution, ethology and comparative anatomj . are among
these factors. No dipterologisl has ever given serious
attention to the study of extinct forms, and no classifica-
tion oi any group oi organisms has ever been satisfactoi \

until such forms have been considered and senOUSl) con-
sidered, paleontology and embryology especially, are
the sine qua mm oi any entomological i lassification, and,
considering the relatively slight advances which have

been made in the taxonomy of the diptera during the

past hall centui y, now seems the opportune time lor such

studies. What dipterologisl will undertake them ?

CLASSIFICATION OF DIPTRRA. 6l

Without extending these remarks to an undue length
it may be well to set down here the chief lines of evolu-
tion in diptera. As they seem to me they are as follows:

i. Reduction in the number of Longitudinal veins from the primitive
eight or nine; and of their branches.

2. Shortening of the most anterior and posterior of these, and the re-

duction of tlie basal cells.

3. Weakening of the posterior veins; loss of the marginal vein behind;

loss of the primitive cross-veins. Powerful flyers with strong
orienting' powers have a supporting venation before the hind
margin, produced either by adventitious cross-veins or the
closure <>i oils.

4. I,oss of antennal joints from thirty or more to three or two,

by reduction in number of homologous joints; by the progress-
ive fusion of the distal joints into the so-called 'complex'; or
into the style or arista; or by the atrophy of the basal joint.
Tlu- development in size of the simplified antenna; or the
production of structural peculiarities.

5. Loss of palpal joints, and, as in the antennae, the development of

tin- simplified palpus.

6. The development of holopticism from a primitive dichopticism. I

do not believe that the reverse is probable — the Acalypterse
have no/ descended from the Calypterae, for instance, and these
latter are, in this respect at least, as in others, the more highly
specialized insects, just as llihio is more highly specialized than
Mycetophila.

7. Ivoss of ocelli; diminution and loss of he compound eyes, espe-

cially characteristic of ectoparasites.

8. Diminution in number of abdominal segments; the closer fusion of

the thoracic segments.

9. Loss of tarsal joints; loss of einpodiuin.

These of course are not all the lines of evolution in
diptera, but I believe that they are all irreversible, that
evolution has never recovered anything once function-
ally lost. Moreover all, or nearly all these lines of evo-
lution are polyphyletic, resulting in numerous cases of
parallel resemblances which must be taken into account
in any attempt at true classification. Heteropeza among

62 NORTH AMKRICAN DIPTERA.

the Cecidomyidse is an excellent example of extraordina-
ry reduction of wing veins, palpal joints and tarsal joints,
though it still retains the primitive antennae and other
primitive characters which ally it with the more gener-
alized forms of diptera. In other words, the evolution of
characters in the different lines of descent does not pro-
ceed pari passu, and opinions will always differ as to the
different values to be assigned to the specialized char-
acters. Nycteribia and Melophagus are perhaps the most
highly specialized of all insects, that is they have traveled
further from the starting point. We do not for that
reason deem them the most typical of insects, the most
highly developed — far from it.

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
OF DIPTERA.

Flies must be collected with much more care than can
be safely used with such insects as coleoptera. Moisture
of all kinds injures or ruins them, and specimens collected
in alcohol are worthless. For this reason the collecting
bottle should be lined throughout with blotting paper,
and the cyanide placed in the cork; a very little poison
suffices to kill them. Nor should they be allowed to be-
come too dry before pinning. The pin should be thrust
through the middle of the thorax, and the specimen
placed just so as to enable the head of the pin to be grasp-
ed by the thumb and finger safely. Very small speci-
mens should never be glued to card points, as is commonly
done with coleoptera; they should always be pinned.
Sometimes specimens may be collected and packed in
some very fine, light sawdust impregnated with carbolic
acid, where it is inconvenient or impossible to pin them.
.Such specimens being gently separated from the sawdust
are allowed to remain for some hours, over, but not
touching, damp sand before pinning. To pin the small

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF DIPTERA. 63

specimens, use narrow strips of good card-board or blot-
ting paper, thrusting a slender pin through one end and
allowing it to protrude just a little above the edge and
clipping off the longer end with a pair of pliers. Thrust
the point of the pin as held in the card-board, into the
under-side of the insect, but not entirely through it, and
a stronger pin in the reverse direction through the other
end of the small strip. The pins are to be thrust through
the card-board from edge to edge, and in consequence a
good quality is to be selected that will not split too read-
ily. The wings should never be spread, but should be
turned aside so as not to conceal the abdomen. In the
early part of the season many interesting species will be
caught with the beating-net. The pointed end of the
beating-net may be thrust, with its contents, into a bot-
tle containing a little chloroform, or into a cyanide bot-
tle, for a short time, when the specimens may be leisurely
removed. Later in the season, flower-flies will be col-
lected from a great variety of melliferous blossoms, and
it is better to wait for the specimens to come to such blos-
soms than to go hastily about looking for them. I have
collected from a single patch of elderberry blossoms, not
a rod in diameter, more than forty species ot Syrphidae
within ten days. Not many species are to be found in
shady woods, but those species must be sought for there.
To preserve flies in the cabinet from their insect enemies,
I use naphthaline. The head of ordinary pins, when
heated red-hot, may be thrust into the common moth-
balls sold by the druggists, which when thus mounted
serve all purposes.

TABLE OF FAMILIES.

i. Flies of a leathery or horny structure, living parasitically upon
warm-blooded vertebrates in the adult condition, the larvae born
when nearly ready to pupate; often wingless or with vestigial
wings. .......... 65

Flies of a softer structure, not ectoparasites upon warm-blooded
vertebrates, rarely viviparous. ...... 2

2. Anal cell rarely narrowed in the border of the wing; antennae usu-

ally composed of from eight to sixteen joints and more or
less freely articulated with each other, usually longer than the
thorax; not with a differentiated style or bristle;* palpi as a
rule with four or five joints; discal cell usually absent. . 3
Anal cell, if present, closed, or much narrowed in the border of the
wing; discal cell almost always present; palpi never with more
than two joints; antennae usually composed of three joints with
a differentiated style or bristle. 14

ORTHORRHAPHA.

A. NEMOCERA.

Anal cell rarely {some Bibionidcr, etc.) narrowed in the margin,
if present; discal cell present only in many Tipulidce and the Rhy-
phidcz; second longitudinal vein often furcate, the third very rarely
if ever; palpi usually more or less elongate, composed of from one to
five, usually four joints, rarely absent; antenna usually elongate
a nd verticillate, generally filiform , rarely pectinate, composed of from
six to thirty-nine joints, usually from eight to sixteen, the joints oj
the flagellum homomorphic and usually freely articulated rvith each
other, a style or arista very rarely differentiated '.* For the most
part slender, delicate flies.

3. Mesonotum with a complete, V-shaped suture (incompletely V-

shaped and sinuous in the Ptychopterinae) . Wings many-veined,
often with a complete di>cal cell; ocelli very rarely present;
both sexes dichoptic. For the most part large, always slender,
flies with long legs; never very small. Daddy-longlegs, craneflies.

Tipulidse, 81.

* Chionea, a wingless tipulid, has the third antennal joint ending in
a slender, three-jointed style; the flagellum of the Orphnephilidae is
aristiform.

(8) 65

66 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Mesonotum never with a complete V-shaped suture, rarely with any
distinct suture. For the most part small or very small flies. 4

4. A complete discal cell present; antennae twelve-sixteeu jointed;

empodia developed pulvilliform, the pulvilli absent.

Rhyphidae, 157.
No discal cell. 5

5. Antennae composed apparently of two joints and a terminal arista,

formed by nine or ten closely united segments; second basal

cell present and small. Rare, small flies. Orphnephilidie, 153.

Not such flies. 6

6. Wings with only a few longitudinal veins and no apparent cross-

veins, almost always hairy; antennae slender, usually twelve
to sixteen-jointed; coxae not elongate; tibiae without terminal
spurs; legs not thickened; ocelli present or absent. Small or
minute, delicate, mostly gall producing flies.

Cecidomyidae, 117
Not such flies. 7

7. Ocelli present* 12

No ocelli. .......... 8

8. The marginal vein is not continuous beyond the tip of th« wing. 9
The marginal vein encompasses the wing; second and fourth long-
itudinal veins furcate; many veined. .... 10

9. Antennae slender; the joints more or less constricted, and often

bushy plumose in the male; legs slender, the femora sometimes
thickened; abdomen slender, wings usually narrow; no sexual
holopticism. For the most part slender, delicate gnats; some
small forms blood-sucking ('punkies'.) Chironomidae, 1 10
Antennae alvvavs shorter than the thorax, composed of ten or
eleven closely united segments, and never plumose; legs strong,
the hind pair more or less dilated; body thick-set, the abdomen
ovate; anterior veins of wings stout, the posterior ones weak
(compare certain Bibionidae when in doubt as to the ocelli);
males holoptic. Small or minute, blood-sucking flies; black
flies, buffalo gnats, turkey gnats. . . Simuliidae, 144

10. Wings ovate or pointed, with numerous longitudinal veins, and
without apparent cross-veins; veins very hairy: tibiae without

* The presence or absence of ocelli is not a family character; a few
forms among both the Mycetophilnlae and Bibionidae appear to lack
them.

TABLE OF FAMILIES.

67

terminal spurs. Small or minute, moth-like flies, the wings
when at rest folded roof-shaped; rarely (Phlebolomus) blood-
sucking Psychodidae, 92.

Anterior cross-vein near middle of wing, distinct; second basal
cell large and distinct; wings not folded roof-like when at
rest 11

11. Wings tomentose; fringed on the hind margin; antennae of male

usually bushy plumose; the second and third veins separate at
an acute angle. For the most part blood-sucking flies; mos-
quitoes Culicidas, 96

Wings bare; the third vein arises from the second near the middle
of the wing, apparently continuous, the second vein arching
suddenly forward; never blood-sucking in habit. Dixidae, 94

12. Wings with a spider-web-like secondary venation.

Blepharoceridse, 148
Wings not with such secondary venation. .... 13

13. Coxae much elongate (moderately so in the Sciarinae) ; antennae

usually elongate, the joints usually with constrictions between
them; three or two ocelli present; in the latter case one situated
near each eye and sometimes perceptible with difficulty; rarely
the ocelli appear to be entirely absent; no sexual holopticism;
all the tibiae spurred; second basal cell never complete.

Mycetophilidse , 131
Coxae short; the thorax not strongly arched above; antennae usu-
ally shorter than the thorax and closely jointed without marked
constrictions, sometimes 14-16 jointed, longer and slender; legs
usually strong, the pulvilli usually present (Bibioninae) ; eyes
of male often large and holoptic; second basal cell often com-
plete. ... .... Bibionidae, 140

AA. BRACHYCERA.
Anal cell closed before the border of the wing or distinctly narrowed
in the border; if absent or very short the antennce are composed of
two or three simple joints ivith or without a style or arista. Palpi
rarely elongated, never with more than one freely articulated joint,
that is tivo-jointed or one-jointed or absent. Antenna:: (a) elongate,
composed of distinctly separable joints, the joints of the flagellum ho-
momorphous and sometimes as many as thirty in number; (b) com-
posed of not more than ten closely united joints without style; (c)
the so-called third joint is complex, that is, composed of from four
to eight segments or annitli, the distal one or ones usually differ-

68 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTBRA.

cut idled into a style or arista; {^composed of three simple joints
[sometimes apparently two), with or without a differentiated, one to

three-jointed, style or arista. Second vein of the wing never furcate,
the third of/en; discal cell almost always present.

14. Antennae composed of two or three simple joints, the distal one

not annulated nor segmentated, usually with a one to three-
jointed terminal or dorsal arista or terminal style \d) , . 18
Antennae of the structure of (a) , (b),or(c). ... 15

15. Empodia undeveloped or hristle-like; antennae elongate, the fla-

gelluin composed of two or three joints, without apparent style;
front concave between the eyes in both sexes. ... 25
Empodia developed pulvilliform; flagelhun of antennae with nu-
merous, distinct joints, or forming the complex, so-called third
joint, with or without a differentiated style or bristle; body not
bristly. . 16

B. Antenna composed of more than free joints, or the third-joint
complex, pour to eight segmented, inclusive of style or arista when
present:

16. Squamae rather large; third longitudinal vein furcate; five poste-

rior cells always present; the costal vein encompasses the wing;
tlagellum composed of from four to eight segments, never with
style or arista; males holoptic; proboscis of female adapted for
piercing. Horseflies, gadflies, greenheaded flies.

Tabanidae, 176

Squamae small or vestigial; for the most part flower flies; males

usually holoptic. 17

17. Tibiae without spurs; wing veins not crowded anteriorly: third

antenna! joint composed of seven annuli with a terminal slender
style or arista: two submarginal, five posterior cells always pres-
ent, the fourth closed. Very large, robust, southern flies.

Acanthomeridae, 173

Tibia.* almost invariably without spurs: longitudinal veins of the
wings usually more or less crowded anteriorly, the posterior
ones often weak: the costal vein does not reach beyond the tip
of the wing; scutellum often with spines; third vein almost al-
ways furcate; four or five posterior cells, the fourth rarely or
never closed; antennae long or short (,!>), (c).

Stratiomyidae, 104

The middle tibiae, at least, with distinct spurs; the costal vein en-

TABLE OF FAMILIES. 69

compasses the wing; third vein always furcate; five posterior
cells present, the posterior veins not evanescent; antennae (a) ,
(b), (c) , • Leptidse, pt. 157

BB. Third joint of antetmcz simple, not composed ofannuti, with
or without a differentiated style or arista.

18. Antennae apparently two-jointed, with a three-jointed arista; wings

(rarely wanting) with several stout veins anteriorly and other,
weaker ones apparently connected with them and running ob-
liquely across the wing. Femora flattened, the hind ones elon-
gated; antennae situated low down. Small, hunchbacked, quick

running, bristly flies PhoridiB, 236

Not such flies, the antennae almost invariably with three easily
distinguishable joints 19

19. Empodia developed pulvilliform, that is three nearly equal, mem-

branous appendages on the under side of the claws. . 20

Empodia wanting, vestigial or linear, not developed like the pul-

villi ■ 22

20. Squamae very large; thorax and abdomen inflated; head small,

eyes relatively large; antennae and venation variable.

Cyrtidae, 182
Squamae of moderate size, or small. ..... 21

21. Middle tibiae at least with spurs; no bristles on femora or tibiae;

third vein furcate; five posterior cells present (four sometimes
in Dialysis and Misgomyia); anterior cross-vein always dis-
tinct; third joint of antennae with a bristle or slender style,
usually terminal. Leptidae, pt. 157

Venation intricate, the third and fourth veins often coalescent for
a short distance; tibiae without spurs; antennae with a slender,
three-jointed style; usually hairy. . Nemestrinidae, 186

22. Third longitudinal vein furcate; two or more submarginal cells

present. .......... 23

Third vein not furcate, but one submarginal cell. . . 31

23. Arista or style of antennae always terminal when present. 24
Arista dorsal Empididae, pt. 218

24. Front distinctly hollowed out between the eyes; eyes of males

never contiguous; basal cells large; mostly large flies. . 25
Front plane or convex; males often holoptic. , . . 26

25. Proboscis with fleshy labella at tip; venation complicated, the

fourth vein curves forward to terminate before the tip of the

■jo NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

wing; pal])i small or wanting. Large to very large, bristleless

flies Mydaidae, 190

Proboscis without fleshy labella at tip, horny and rigid; five pos-
terior cells almost always present; palpi usually prominent.
Mostly large, bristly, predaceous flies. Asilidae, 192

26. Five posterior cells in the wing; basal cells large. . . 27
Not more than four posterior cells.* ..... 29

27. Venation intricate; empodia and pulvilli membranous, but fre-

quently minute (see 21)..
Venation not intricate, the anterior cross-vein always apparent. 28

28. The fourth vein terminates before tip of wing; male sexual organs

prominent; males dichoptic. . . . Apioceridae , 188
The fourth vein terminates beyond the tip of the wing; male sex-
ual organs small; males often holoptic. . Therevidae, 205

29. Third antennal joint without bristle or style; three posterior cells,

the first narrowed or closed; the fourth vein terminating at or

before the tip of the wing. . . . Scenopinidae, 208

Third antennal joint usually with a terminal style; four or three

posterior cells; the fourth vein terminates beyond tip of wing. 30

30. Anal cell narrowly open or closed near border of wing (if discal

cell wanting, see Hilar imorp ha p. 157, footnote).

Bombyliidae, 210

Anal cell closed remote from border, sometimes absent; discal cell

not rarely absent Empididae, 218

31. Wings pointed; no cross-veins, save at base; second basal cell

short; arista terminal; small flies. . Lonchopteridae, 240
Wings not lanceolate 32

32. Anal cell elongate, acute, closed toward or near the lxmler of the

wing; second basal cell usually long. .... 36

Anal cell, if present, short, closed remote from the border of the
wing, not acutely produced (rarely produced in a narrow, lobe-
like prolongation.) ........ 33

H- Second basal cell confluent witli discal cell, or the discal cell ab-
sent; auxiliary vein usually vestigial or indistinct; anal cell

often absent; usually small flies 34

Second basal cell separated by a cross-vein from a complete discal
cell; auxiliary vein and anal cell usually complete. . 40

* Five in a very few species of Bombyliidae,

TABLE OF FAMILIES.

71

34. For the most part brilliantly colored, predaceous flies; face of male

usually narrower than that of female; arista dorsal or terminal;
hypopygium often enlarged or conspicuous.

Dolichopodidae, 228
Not brilliantly colored, predaceous flies 35

35. Eyes sometimes contiguous; head small, the proboscis usually

rigid; arista usually terminal. . . Empidid.se, pt. 218

Eyes never contiguous; proboscis not rigid; arista almost always

dorsal. .......... 42

cyclorrhapha.

A frontal lunule above the base of the antenna"; third antenna! 'joint
ahuays simple, not an nutated or complex, with a terminal or dorsal
arista, rarely with a terminal style; third vein never furcate; never
more than three complete posterior cells present. Empodia never pui-
vi lliform.

36. Between the third and fourth longitudinal veins and subparallel

with them a spurious longitudinal vein; or, when rarely absent,
the first posterior cell is closed remote from the border; first
posterior cell always closed; head never with bristles, which are
rarely present elsewhere; males usually holoptic; almost always
with a dorsal arista, rarely a terminal style. Usually brightly

colored flower flies Syrphidae, 246

No spurious longitudinal vein. ...... 37

37. Front broad in both sexes; antennae with a terminal style or dor-

sal arista; face usually with grooves below the antennae; probos-
cis elongate and slender, often folding; no bristles anywhere
(Couopidcr, 261.)
Not such flies; bristles almost invariably present. . . 38

38. Hind metatarsi enlarged and ornamented, especially in the males,

males holoptic; arista terminal. . . Platypezidse, 241
Hind metatarsi not enlarged nor ornamented. 39

39. Head large, composed chiefly of the eyes, the front in the males

narrowed or the eyes contiguous; first posterior cell narrowed;
arista dorsal; rather small flies. . . Pipunculidae, 244

Head not large, subspherical, the front broad in both sexes, pro-
boscis short, not rigid; first posterior cell narrowed; legs elon-
gated {Micropezxdcc pt. 264).

Head small, the front narrowed or eyes contiguous in male; first
posterior cell wide open (Empididtr, pt. 218).

72 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

40. Head small; proboscis more or less elongated; alula of wings usu-

ally vestigial [Empididte, pt. 218).
Head not unusually small; proboscis rarely elongated; arista al-
most invariably dorsal 41

A. MYODARIA.

Never more than three posterior cells present, the first of which only may he
closed or narrowed in the margin ; none of the longitudinal veins furcate ;
marginal and submarginal cells nicer closed; anal cell very rarely produced
toward the margin of the wing (Micropezida pt. Ortalidida, pt. etc) Antenna
three-jointed, simple, with a hare, pubescent, pectinate or plumose arista, which
is almost always dorsal in posit inn, never thickened into a terminal style. More
or less bristly flies.

41. Squamae large; front of male narrowed or eyes contiguous. 59
Squamae small; eyes of male not more approximated than those of

female, or if so the narrowing is due to the diminished width of
the median stripe, the borders remaining the same, the males
never holoptic; posterior callus of thorax almost always not dis-
tinct 42

B. ACALYPTERJE.

Squa mie always small or vestigial. . 1 u.riliary vein often indistinct or vestigial,
or closely approximated or fused with tfu first rein. First longitudinal vein
shortened, often very short. Basal cells small, the posterior ones often indistinct
or wanting. Males never ho/optic, the front in this sex never markedly narrowed.
Thorax without complete transverse suture; posterior callosity usually absent.
Never large flies, usually small or very small.

42. Auxiliary vein present, separated from first longitudinal vein and

terminating distinctly in the costa; the first vein usually ends
near or beyond the middle of the wing; posterior basal cells
present. .......... 43

Auxiliary vein absent, vestigial or incomplete; the first vein usu-
ally ends in the costa before the middle of the wing. . 49

43. A distinct bristle on each side of the face near the oral margin, i.

e. oral vibrissas present 44

No oral vibrissas. ......... 45

44. Mesonotum and SCUtellum flat; front bristly; cheeks and face bris-

tly; all the tibiae spurred and with preapical bristle; seasbore

flies Phycodromidse, 317

Mesonotum not flattened, convex; no costal spine; more than
four abdominal segments visible. Cordyluridae, 327

TABLE OF FAMILIES. 73

Wings elongate, the cross-veins often approximated; post-vertical
bristles divergent; front bristly; smaller, somewhat elongate
flies-, sixth and first veins short. . Heteroneuridae, 318

Front never bristly near the antennae; abdomen somewhat elon-
gate, cylindrical, usually narrowed near base. Small, black
flies about decaying matter Sepsidse, 269

Costa almost always pectinate; tibiae with spurs and preapical
bristles; not very small flies. . . Helomyzidae, 324

45. Femora thickened; hind tibiae usually dilated; basal cells not very

small; first posterior cell narrowed; all the tibiae with preapical
bristle. Moderate sized, bare, southern flies.

Rhopalomeridse, 280
Not such flies. ......... 46

46. First posterior cell closed or narrowed in the margin; abdomen

elongate; legs long or very long. ..... 47

Not such flies. 48

47. Eyes large, the cheeks and posterior orbits narrow, the occiput

concave:

Proboscis short; ovipositor not elongate. Tanypezidae, 264
Proboscis greatly elongate and folding near its middle; ovipos-
itor very long Conopidte, pt. 261

Head subspherical, the cheeks broad and face retreating; probos-
cis short. . . . . . Micropezidae, 264

48. One or two fronto-orbital bristles; preapical bristle absent or pres-

ent; wings sometimes pictured; anal cell always rounded distally.

Sapromyzidae, 288

Upper fronto-orbital bristles, only, present; ovipositor horny, more
or less elongate; anal cell often acute distally, or drawn out
into a narrow, acute lobe; arista seldom plumose: no preapical
bristle (except Automola) ; wings almost invariably pictured.

Ortalididee, 272

Fronto-orbital bristles present* or absent; second joint of antennae
often elongated; postvertical bristles divergent; a preapical
bristle; ovipositor not horny; wings often pictured. Meadow
flies. Sciomyzidae, 321

49. Head produced on each side into a lateral process for the eye;

basal cell confluent with discal cell. . . Diopsidae, 314
Head not produced into lateral processes. .... 50

* If small, greenish black flies of the sea-coast, with globular third
antennal joint, compare Canace (Ephydridae).
9

_4 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

50. Hind metatarsi incrassate and usually shorter than the second

joint; oral vibrissa present; second basal cell distinct or not;
about excrement or near water. . . Borboridae, 315

Hind metatarsi not incrassate and always longer than the follow-
ing joint. .......... 51

51. Discal and basal cells united, the separating cross-vein vestigial

or absent 52

Discal and second basal cells separated. .... 54

52. Anal cell absent 53

Anal cell complete, though often small 54

53. Front bare, or at the most bristly above; small, usually light color-

ed flies Oscinidse, 310

Front often bristly; mouth cavity usually large; no oral vibrissa;;
rather small to very small black or dark-colored flies about water.

Ephydridae, 303

54. Scutellum elongate, triangular; with spines or protuberances on

its margin; femora thickened. . Rhopalomeridae, 280
Flies not having all the al>ove characters 55

55. Oral vibrissa; present 5°

No oral vibrissa.- , ... 58

56. Arista long plumose, or pectinate above. Drosophilidae, 299
Arista bare, pubescent or short plumose 57

57. Front bare or bristly at vertex only; small, black flies, witb nar-

row, usually contracted abdomen. . . Sepsidae, 269

Front bristly at least as far as the middle; often light colored, small

or very small flies. Agromyzidae, 291; Geomyzidae, 297

58. The auxiliary vein is evanescent at its tip, where it turns sharply

forward at some distance before the tip of the first vein; wings
almost always pictured; anal cell angular, or drawn out into
a narrow acute lobe; no preapical tibial bristle.

Trypetidas, 2S2

Auxiliary vein more or less fused with the first vein; antennae
more or less elongate and decumbent; anal cell not produced;
rather small, elongate flies. Psilidae, 2<>7

Posterior basal and anal cells very small; wings rarely pictured.
Small or very small, often silvery gray or whitish gray species.

Geomyzidae, 297

TABLE OF FAMILIES.

75

BB. CALYPTE1LK.

Squamce well developed or of moderate size, not vestigial. Aux-
iliary vein alivays distinct in its whole course; first longitudinal
vein never very short, usually of considerable length. Males often
holoptic, or the front in that sex narroived. Thorax with complete
transverse suture; posterior callosity present. Usually flies of mod-
erate or considerable size, never very small.

59. Oral opening small, the mouthparts small or vestigial; first poste-

rior cell closed or narrowed (except Gastrophilus) . Bot flies.

Oestridte, 344
Oral opening of usual size, the mouthparts not vestigial. 60

60. Hypopleurae with a tuft of bristles; first posterior cell narrowed or

closed. .......... 61

Hypopleurae not with tuft of bristles; first posterior cell narrowed
or fully open in the margin. ...... 64

61. Antennal bristle bare or somewhat pubescent. Tachinidae, 358
Antennal arista plumose or very distinctly pubescent. . 62

62. Arista bare on the distal half; dorsum of abdomen rarely bristly

on anterior part Sarcophagidae, 348

Arista plumose or distinctlj' pubescent to tip. ... 63

63. Dorsum of abdomen usually bristly on anterior part; legs usually

long. . . Dexiidae, 352

Abdominal segments without bristles, save more or less near the
tip; legs not noticeably elongated (Calliphorinae) . Muscidse, 337

64. First posterior cell narrowed or closed; arista plumose to tip.

Muscidse, pt. 337

First posterior cell very slightly or not at all narrowed in the

margin; arista plumose, pubescent or bare. Anthomyidae, 331

AA. PUPIPARA.

65. Wingless flies, parasitic upon bats; head folding back on the dor-

sum of the thorax Nycteribiidae, 386

Winged or wingless flies, parasitic upon birds or mammals; head
not folding back upon dorsum or thorax. 66

66. Antennae reduced; wings with distinct parallel veins and outer

cross-veins when present; claws simple; palpi leaf-like, project-
ing in front of the head; almost exclusively parasitic upon bats.

Streblidse, 384
Antennae usually more elongate, the joints more or less distinctly
separated; head sunk into an emargination of the thorax; wings,
when present, with veins more or less crowded anteriorly, the
weaker ones running outward and backward, the cross-veins
short and approximated to the base of the wing; claws large,
bidentate or tridentate ; palpi not leaf-like nor protruding in
front of the head. .... Hippoboscidae, 382

76 NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

MYODARIA.

The very large group of flies, called here the Myodaria,
after Desvoidy, -and very commonly known in the past
as the Muscidae, sens, lat, has been divided into many
lesser groups by students of the order. The number and
limitations of these groups are the subjects of most diver-
gent opinions, no two writers agreeing. I have, in gen-
eral, followed the opinions of Loew and Schiner where
I had none of my own, with some suggestions from
Czerny and Henclel. In deference to common usage I
give the family termination to the names of the groups
adopted, not because I believe that they are of equivalent
rank to the families, as generally accepted, of the Cyclor-
rhapha, for I most emphatically do not, but because of
common vogue. It really matters little what they are
called, so long as it is distinctly remembered that they
have in general less morphological significance. The
only danger is that the other families may be broken up
into countless groups of equivalent rank, a result to be
deplored and which would serve no useful purpose.

The family, or superfamily, whatever it be, includes
more than a half, perhaps, of all living diptera. They,
and especially the Calypterae, are the dominant diptera
of the present time, the latest and most highly special-
ized types of the order. And it is because of this dom-
inance that they are exceedingly hard to classify clearly
and distinctly. Nor will their classification approach a
much more satisfactory equilibrium until more of the
world's fauna is known, especially in view of the fact
that the smaller forms in particular have been, in gen-
eral, largely neglected by competent students as the
proletariat of the order.

MYODARIA 77

That the group is a difficult one, even for the expert,
is only too true. Full descriptions and figures are al-
most indispensable in many, if not most cases for allay-
ing doubt as to genera, especially in the present chaotic
condition of the nomenclature of the Calypterae. I have
used the more commonly employed distinctions for the
'families' of the Calypterae, and there can be no question
but that these, oftentimes trivial, characters do, for the
most part, define natural groups, but not in all cases,
and the student must find for himself the divergent,
anomalous, or homoplastic forms. And, as a general
rule in taxonomy, he should remember that differences
are of more importance than resemblances in defining
relations. That we shall discover more natural charac-
ters for their definition soon is without doubt, but, until
specialists come to some fairly general agreement as to
what these characters are, we must continue to use those
which bring together the great majority of the forms into
genetic groups.

Czerny and Hendel place much importance on the di-
rection of the pcstvertical bristles in the arrangement of
the Acalypterae, and I am disposed to admit the justice
of their claim in large measure. According to these
authors these bristles are convergent in the Helomyzidae,
Sapromyzidae, Drosophilidae, Geomyzidae, Milichinae
and Ochthiphilinae; erect in the Trypetidae; divergent
in the Cordyluridae, Hcteroneuridae, Ortalididae, Micro-
pezidae, Sciomyzidae, Sepsidae and Lonchaeidae, as these
authors accept these families.

Upon the cruciate bristles of the front they also place
not a little weight, as present more or less in the Antho-
myidae, Heteroneuridae, Ephydridae, etc. It must be
remembered, however, that all these bristles are usually
minute, often exceedingly so; or absent in forms closely
related otherwise to those having them well developed;

7S NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

and they are often difficult of discernment. I am not
disposed to place a large degree of reliance upon char-
acters so inconstant.

It will be observed that, as in the former edition, I fol-
low Schiner in arranging the Myodaria in a reverse order
from that usually given in systematic works and cata-
logues. In the holoptic eyes, enlarged squamae, greater
development of the bristles, entire absence of apical
arista, and larger size, the Calypterae demonstrate their
high rank among the Cyclorrhapha ; and they of course
could not have been the ancestral type from which the
Acalypterae arose. The Acalypterae are for the most
part a divergent branch with certain decadent special-
izations like those of the oligoneurous Nemocera. The
relationships between the Tanypezidae or Micropezidae
and certain forms which by common consent are placed
among the Conopidae, are beyond all dispute; indeed in
my opinion the. Conopidae should be included among the
Myodaria, as they were by Desvoidy.

PUPIPARA.

The singular group of flies known as the Pupipara or
Eproboscidea is composed wholly of ectoparasites infest-
ing mammals, birds and other insects, living among the
hair or feathers of their hosts and subsisting upon their
juices. This parasitic habit has induced many remark-
able modifications of structure, as would be supposed.
The compound eyes are never large, and, in those flies
living upon the crepuscular or nocturnal bats, they have
become reduced to the merest vestiges. So, also, the
ocelli are in general degenerate and often wanting. The
antennae are short, the joints often apparently reduced
in number, and they are often bristly. The mouth-parts,
while still retaining all the constituent parts of most
other diptera, have become mu< li abbreviated, and are not

PUPIPARA.

79

at all retractile. The body is more or less flat, the abdo-
men indistinctly segmentated in most cases and leathery
in appearance. The legs are always stout, sometimes
much elongated, with strong and stout claws, which may
have an strong pectination in addition to the enlarged
basal part. In their breeding habits all are believed to
be pupiparous, that is giving birth, not to eggs or even
young larvae, as is the case with nearly all other diptera,
but to larvae just ready to transform into puparia, an
evident adaptation to their peculiar enviromental condi-
tions. The wings, as would be supposed, are often ves-
tigial or wanting, and in many cases the venation has
undergone degeneration. But a single form is known to
be parasitic upon other insects, bees, of a family hitherto
unknown to occur in America.

Because of these marked and peculiar habits, and the
structural characters, some recent writers are inclined to
raise the rank of the group to a subordinal value, making

it equivalent to all the other diptera combined. To this,
however, I am decidedly opposed. The flies seem, with
hardly a doubt, to be merely degenerate descendants of
the Muscids, and probably of the acalyterate division.
The venation of such forms as Raymondia is characteris-
tically acalypterate; in some others there has been, ap-
parently, an elongation of the first and sixth veins, and
an enlargement of the basal cells. Schiner long ago
described a psculiar type with reduced wings, parasitic
upon hawks, which he placed among the acalypterates
in the vicinity of the Borboridae, and it does not seem un-
likely that this is the real relationship of the whole group.
Very similar structural adaptations are observed among
the parasitic and wholly unrelated Phoridae — bristly, re-
duced antennae, loss of eyes and wings, leathery abdomen,
stout legs, etc.; or among the tsetse flies — distinctly pu-
piparous habits. The most that I am willing to concede
to the Pupipara is a rank equivalent to that of the Myoda-
ria. The group is a comparatively recent one geological-
ly, in all probability.

1, Pedicia; 2, Atarba pleura lis; .'!, Rhipidia costal is; 4. Ctenophora; ■">, /•.'///-
phragma sackeni; 6, Bittacomorpha clavipes; 7, Pachyrhina; 8,9, Desmatomyia
anomala (type); 1<>, Aldrichia ehrmanni; 11, Dolichomyia gracilis (type); 12,
18, Nephrocerus (Penna.); 14, Ischnomyia; 1f>. Palloptera jucunda; 16, Clusia;
17, IK, Heterocheila; 19, Eclimis; 20,21, Lepidophora vetusta.

I. Family TIPUUM.

Fig. 23. Helobia hybrida, enlarged.

After Washburn.

Large to moderately small, slender flies, with long,
slender legs. Head subspherieal ; occiput strongly de-
veloped; face often produced snout-like. Eyes round,
separated by the broad front; sometimes approximated
above and below the antennae, but never contiguous.
Ocelli almost always ( Ttichocera) wanting. Antennae
rarely shorter, usually longer than the head and thorax
together; bead or thread-like, composed of from six
( Anisomera) to thirty-nine ( Cerozodia* ) joints, the joints
of the flagellum never plumose, but usually with more
or less conspicuous bristly hairs; the joints sometimes
serrated or pectinated; usually there are eleven, twelve
or fourteen joints in the flagellum. Proboscis more or
less projecting, in a few genera very much elongated;
palpi four or five jointed, the terminal joint often elon-

* This genus, from Australia, has, according to Osten Sacken, from
twanty-nine to thirty-seven joints in the flagellum, all of which, ex-
cept the terminal one or ones, are branched.

(10) 81

82 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

gated, whiplash-like. Thorax convex above, with a very
distinct suture in the form of a shallow V, except in the
Ptychopterinae ; prothorax usually distinct, collar-like;
scutellum half-round; nietanotum strongly developed.
Abdomen cylindrical, composed of seven or eight joints;
genitalia prominent, in the male very variable in struc-
ture; in the female, the ovipositor (save rarely) has two
pairs of long, horny, pointed valves. Legs very long
and slender; the tibiae sometimes with terminal spurs.

Fig. 24. Venation.

Wings long, but comparatively narrow; in rest spread
apart or lying parallel over the abdomen; auxiliary vein
present; always six longitudinal veins; usually a com-
plete discal cell; both basal cells long; the anal cell
usually widely open ; seventh vein usually distinct ( save
in the Ptychopterinae) and of variable form; axillary
lobe rounded, rarely angular.

The family Tipulidae comprises the largest of the
nematocerous flies, some of which exceed two inches in
length. The abdomen is always elongate. The legs are
very long and delicate — so delicate indeed that one sel-
dom succeeds in capturing the insects without the loss
of one or more. Flies of this description with a distinctly
impressed V-shaped 'suture' on the mesonotum will be
immediately recognized as belonging to this family. The
females differ from those of most other flies in having the
ovipositor adapted for the deposition of their eggs in the
ground or other firm substances. When the weather is

TIPUUD^E. 83

favorable the eggs hatch in a little more than a week.
The larvae are ash-gray or brownish in color, more or
less transparent, composed of twelve segments. The
head is incompletely differentiated and retractile, and has
the maxillae and mandibles more or less horny and stout;
there are short fleshy antennae in most larvae, but are
long and two-jointed in the Tipulinae. The organs of
locomotion generally consist of transverse swellings on
the under side of the body, provided with very minute,
stiff bristles. The anal end of the body is truncate, with
a single pair of spiracles ; and the margins of the trunca-
ture are for the most part provided with fleshy, retractile
processes of variable, size and shape. Some aquatic lar-
vae have a long tube at the end of the body, which serves
for respiration when raised to the surface of the water.

Most of the larvae live in the earth or in soil-like, de-
composing wood, in fungi, or in water. Others live on
the leaves of plants and are like caterpillars in appear-
ance, the resemblance to which is yet more heightened
by the green color, with a crest of tubercles on the back.

The pupae, like those of many of the members of this
suborder, are free. The thorax has two horn-like pro-
cesses which represent the thoracic spiracles, one of
which may acquire a very great length for the purpose
of breathing from the surface while under water. The
abdominal segments have transverse rows of hairs, bris-
tles or spines, which enable the pupa to escape from its
place of concealment when about to complete its meta-
morphosis.

The adult flies are often seen in the late summer and
autumn. They will be most usually met with in mead-
ow-lands and forests, flying awkwardly for a few steps,
close to the ground till they become entangled in the
grass or twigs, and then extricating themselves, rising
again to repeat the same aimless, clumsy flight.

84

NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

Pig, 25. Tipulidse. 1, Limophila luieipennis; 2, Dicranota riv-
ularis; 3, Plectromyia modesta; 4, Amalopis calcar; 5, Trichocera
bimacula; 6, Cryptolabis paradoxa; 7, Goniomyia sulphurella; 8,

Fig. 26. Tipulidae. 23, Elliptera, sp. ; 24, Diotrepha mirabilis;
25, RJiipidia subpectinata; 26, Dlongoina pallida; 27. Tipula subin-
fuscata; 28, Polyniera albitarsis; 29, Geranomyia pallida; 30, 7V«-
cholabis complexa; 31, Rhamphidia albitarsis; 32, Atarba plcuralis.

The name of 'daddy-long-legs' is the one usually
applied to members of this family in England, but in
America this term is generally used to designate the
Phalangidse or harvest spiders. The name 'crane-flies'
is preferable. Commonly they are harmless, but some
of the species in the larval state are very destructive,
feeding upon the tender rootlets of grass and grain, and
causing the plants over large surfaces to wither and die.
There are about twelve hundred species known.

Trimicra pilipes; 9, Limnophila qnadrata; 10, Gnophomyia tristis-
sima; 11, Rhypholophus riibellus; 12, Bittacomorpha clavipcs; 13,
Anisomera neglecta; 14, Rhaphidolabis tenuipes; 15, Orimarga al-
pina; 16, Dicra>iuinyia heretica; 17, Dicranomyia longipennis; 18,
Toxorhina magna; 19, Limnophila areola la; 20, Erioptera, sp.;
21, Helobia piinctipennis; 22, Antocha opalizans. After Osten Sacken.

86 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTBRA.

In this family are placed several wingless forms, or
those with the wings more or less rudimentary. One of
the former is Ckionea, the species of which are found on
snow, often in the coldest weather.

The family Tipulidae is easily divided into three sub-
families, which I prefer to call the Ptychopterinse, Lim-
nobiinse and Tipulinse, and which correspond precisely
with the Ptychopterina, Tipulidse brevipalpi and Tipu-
lidse longipalpi of Osten Sackeu.

The following table is chiefly based upon that of Osten
Sacken in his monograph, which will be indispensable to
the student. The nomenclature of the venation is that
of Osten Sacken.

TABLE OF GENERA.
i. Seventh longitudinal vein present, that is there are two longitud-
inal veins between the fifth vein and the posterior margin of the

wing 2

Seventh longitudinal vein absent; no distinct V-shaped sntnre on
mesonotnin Ptychopterinse.

2. Last joint of the palpi shorter or not much longer than the two pre-
ceding together; the auxiliary vein usually ends in the costa and
is connected with the first longitudinal vein 1>y a distinct cross-
vein; antennae six to sixteen jointed, rarely more. Limnobiinse
Last joint of the palpi whiplash-like, much longer than the three
preceding together; antenme rarely with more than thirteen
joints; the auxiliary vein ends in the first longitudinal vein by
an abrupt curvature at the tip, not connected with the first vein
by a cross-vein Tipulinae.

LI M NOB 1 1 NA\.
i. Wingless, spider-like in appearance. . . . Chionea.
Winged 2

2. A single submarginal cell present. ...... 3

Two submarginal cells present (one in Goniomyia manca.) . 5

;. Antennae [4-jointed. Limnobiini.

Antennae [6-jointed. ........ 4

TIPUUM. 87

4. Tibiae with spurs at the tip; the first longitudinal vein usually ends

in the second Cylindrotomini.

Tibiae without spurs; the first vein ends in the costa. Antochini.

5. Tibiae without spurs at the tip. .... Eriopterini.
Tibiae with spurs at the tip 6

6. The subcostal cross-vein is beyond the origin of the second longi-

tudinal vein. ......... 7

The subcostal cross-vein is before the origin of the second longi-
tudinal vein. Amalopini.

7. Antennae composed of sixteen joints. . . Limnophilini.
Antennae composed of from six to ten joints, often much elongated.

Anisomerini.

LIMNOBIINI.

1. Proboscis longer than the head and thorax together (29).

Geranomyia.
Proboscis shorter than the head and thorax together. . . 2

2. Antennae pectinate or subpectinate, at least, in the male (25, p. 80. 3)

Rhipidia.
Antennae not pectinate. ........ 3

3. A supernumerary cross-vein between the sixth and seventh veins.

Discobola.
No cross-vein connecting the sixth and seventh veins. . . 4

4. Tip of the auxiliary vein usually opposite, or before, or only a short

distance beyond the origin of the second vein; marginal cross-
vein always at the tip of the first longitudinal vein; legs slender.

Dicranomyia.

Tip of the auxiliary vein usually far beyond the origin of the second

vein; marginal cross-vein sometimes at the tip but often some

distance before the tip of the first vein; legs comparatively stout.

Limnobia.
ANTOCHINI.

1. Rostrum at least as long as the head, sometimes very long; no mar-

ginal cross-vein. ......... 2

Rostrum shorter than the head 4

2. Wings without submarginal cell (18). . .' . Toxorhina.
Wings with submarginal cell. ....... 3

3. Rostrum not much longer than the head (31). Rhamphidia.
Rostrum the length of the body. . . . Elephantomyia.

88 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

4. Discal cell open. ......... 5

Diseal cell closed. ......... 7

5. Second basal cell considerably shorter than the first. . . 6
Second basal cell of about the same length as the first (23 1.

Elliptera.

6. Three posterior cells; the great cross-vein more proximal than the

origin of the second vein (24). . . . Diotrepha.

Four posterior cells; the great cross-vein more distant than the

origin of the second vein, .... Orimarga.

7. No marginal cross-vein whatever (32, p. 80, 2). . Atarba.
Marginal cross-vein present. ...... 8

8. The first longitudinal vein ends in the costa nearly opposite the

inner end of the submarginal cell. ..... 9

The first vein ends in the costa far beyond the inner end of the
submarginal cell. Dicranoptycha.

9. Submarginal cell as long or but little longer than the first posterior

cell (30 1 Teucholabis.,

Submarginal cell much longer than the first posterior cell 1 22 .

Antocha.
EKIOPTERINI.

1. Five posterior cells; male anteniue not peculiar. . Cladura.
Five posterior cells; joints of the male flagellum binodose, form-
ing apparently twenty-eight joints in the antennae i25 also Gg ■
5, 1, page 27, $>) Polymera.

Four posterior cells. 2

2. The inner marginal cell has almost the shape of an equilateral tri-

angle (6) Cryptolabis.

Inner marginal cell of the usual shape. .... 3

3. Wings conspicuously hairy on the whole surface or along the

veins. ........... 4

Wings not conspicuously hairy, veins bare or nearly so. . 7

4. Antennal joints subreniform and nodo.se; eyes nearly contiguous

above and below. Sigmatomera.

Species not having the foregoing characters. ... 5

5. Wings hairy on the whole surface (11). . Rhypholophus.
Wings hairy along the veins only 6

6. Second submarginal cell longer than the first (201. Erioptera.
First submarginal cell longer than the second. Molophilus-

TIPUUM. 89

7. First submarginal cell short, not more than half the length of the

second. .......... 8

First submarginal cell more than half the length of the second. 11

8. Marginal cross-vein present. ....... 9

Marginal cross-vein absent (7). .... Goniomyia.

9. Second submarginal cell in contact with the discal cell, the ante-

rior cross- vein obsolete. . . . . . . .10

Anterior cross-vein present, the first posterior cell intervening be-
tween the submarginal and the discal cells. . Empeda.

iO. Seventh longitudinal vein very short; no empodia (26).

Mongoma.
Seventh longitudinal vein not unusually short; empodia present.

Paratropesa.

11. Seventh longitudinal vein conspicuously bisinuate (21). Helobia.
Seventh longitudinal vein straight. . . . . . 12

12. Length of the auxiliary vein beyond the cross-vein at least twice

that of the posterior or great cross-vein (8) . . Trimicra.
The cross-vein situated near the end of the auxiliary vein (10).

Gnophomyia.

IvIMNOPHILINI.

1. Discal cell open; antennae apparently 2S-jointed in the $ (28).

Polmera.
Discal cell closed. ......... 2

2. Marginal cross-vein wanting Phyllolabis.

Marginal cross-vein present. ....... 3

3. Wings pubescent, Ulomorpha.

Wings bare. .......... 4

4. Seventh vein very short, abruptly incurved toward the anal angle

(5) Trichocera.

Seventh vein not unusual. ....... 5

5. A supernumerary cross-vein between the auxiliary vein and the

costa (p. 80, 5) Epiphragma.

No such supernumerary cross-vein (1,9,19)*. Limnophila.

*

A wingless form has recently been referred to this genus, with

doubt, by Mr. Coquillett.

90 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

A.NISOMERINI.

i. Three posterior cells; two submarginal cells (13 1. Anisomera.

Four or five posterior cells; antennae of the $ sometimes much

elongated. ....••••■• 2

2. The stigma occupies nearly the whole space between the tip of the

auxiliary vein and the marginal cross-vein. . Eriocera.

The stigma occupies but a small portion of the space between the

tip of the auxiliary vein and marginal cross-vein.

Penthoptera.

AMALOPINI.
i. Antennae composed of thirteen joints 2

Antennae composed of sixteen or seventeen joints. . . 5

2. Two cross-veins between the first longitudinal vein and the anterior

branch of the second vein 3

Only one cross-vein between these veins. .... 4

3. Front with a gibbosity behind the antennae (2). . Dicranota.
Front without gibbosity Polyang-aeus.

4. Five posterior cells; both branches of the fourth vein furcate (14).

Rhaphidolabis.
Four posterior cells; the posterior branch furcate. Plectromyia.

5. Four posterior cells; wings pubescent Ula.

Five posterior cells; wings bare 6

6. Anterior cross-vein nearly at right angles with the longitudinal axis

of the wing. '

Anterior cross-vein at a very oblique angle with the longitudinal
axis of the wing, and parallel with the posterior cross-vein
(p. 80. 1) Pedicia.

7. Rostrum much longer than the head. . . . Ornithodes-
Rostrum shorter than the head (4). . . • Amalopis

CYLIXDROTOMIXI.

1. Five posterior cells; colors yellow and black. Cylindrotoma
Four posterior cells

2. Antennal joints subcylindrical, elongated 3

Antenna! joints subglobular; head and thorax conspicuously pnnct-

ulate ' Triogma.

3. Colors yellow and black Liogma.

Colors brownish and grayish Phalacrocera.

2

TIITUJU. 9i

PTYCIIOI TKKIN'yK.
i. First submarginal cell much shorter than the second. Idioplasta.
First submarginal cell much longer than the second. . . 2

2. Three posterior cells (12) Bittacomorpha.

Four posterior cells. Ptychoptera.

TI PULING,
r. Leu"- long and slender, especially the tarsi; anterior branch of the
second vein absent, obsolete or perpendicular, the rhomboid
cell more or less square. ....... 2

Legs not unusually slender, anterior branch of second vein present
and oblique. 5

2. Antennae thirteen-jointed; male forceps complex. Dolichopeza.
Antennae with less than thirteen joints; male forceps small, simple. 3

3. Fifth posterior cell not in contact with discal cell. Megistocera.
Fifth posterior cell in contact with discal cell. ... 4

4. Head on a neck -like prolongation of the thorax; seventh vein short,

running into the anal angle. . . . Brachypremna.

Head more closely applied to the thorax; seventh vein terminates

in the margin at some distance from the anal angle. Tanyprema

5. Antennae of $ pectinate or sub-pectinate. .... 6
Antennae not pectinate • . . 7

6. Ovipositor of 9 long, sword-like Xiphura.

Ovipositor of 9 l°n» hut not sword-like (p. 80, 4). Ctenophora.

7. Three posterior veins arising from the discal cell, the two anterior

sometimes arising together but the petiole always short (p. 80, 7)

Pachyrrhina.
Two posterior veins arise from the discal cell, the anterior one fur-
cate, petiole always of considerable length. ... 8

8. Antennae serrate; northern species. . . . Stygeropis.
Antenna; not serrate below. ....... 9

9. Marginal vein wanting, but one marginal cell; antennal joints short

with minute bristles Holorusia.

Two marginal cells. ......... 10

lo.Abdomen slender, very long; antennae composed of twelve joints.

Longnria.
Abdomen less elongate; antenna; with thirteen joints (27).

Tipula.

II. Family PvSYCHODID^.

Thickly haired, minute flies, in appearance moth-like.
Head small; ocelli wanting. Antennae as long as the
head and thorax together, bead-like; thickly haired;
composed of from twelve to sixteen joints; the two basal
joints shorter and short-cylindric. Proboscis usually
short; or more or less elongated ( Phlebotomu s) and
rigid; palpi incurved and hairy; composed of four joints
of nearly equal length. Thorax not very convex, with-
out transverse suture; scutellum rounded. Abdomen
cylindrical, composed of from six to eight segments;
male genitalia prominent. Legs short, densely hairy;
claws small. Wings large, ovate or lanceolate in shape;
when at rest lying roof-like over the abdomen ; densely
covered with hair or tomentum, which also forms a fringe
around their margin ; the costal vein continuous about
the wing; veins strong, for the most part concealed be-
neath the hair ; venation formed almost wholly by longi-
tudinal veins; the anterior cross-vein is short and lies
near the root of the wing and is often difficult of discern-
ment: the second longitudinal vein arises near the origin
of the first and is furcate. Fourth vein furcate; between
these two furcations there are usually two longitudinal
veins, the precise homologies of which are uncertain ; the
front one is often supposed to be an additional furcation
of the second; or it may be a furcation of the third occur-
ring before the anterior cross-vein, a peculiar structure
found elsewhere in diptera only among the Tipulidac
( Ptychopterince) . The vein just before the posterior furca-
tion terminates near the tip of the wing. Fifth and sixth
veins terminate in the border of the wing, as does also
the seventh, which is, sometimes, very short.

92

PSYCHODID^B.

93

The members of this family are often very minute,
rarely exceeding the length of four millimeters ; they are
observed in shady places, on windows, in outhouses, or
running about on leaves near streams of water, and will
be readily recognized by their peculiar moth-like appear-
ance; they run about nimbly, but their flight is weak.
The larvae live in rotting vegetable material, in dung, or
in water; they are peculiar in having both open spira-
cles and tracheal gills; the maxillae are imperfectly de-
veloped, there are eye-spots on the head, and the segments
behind the head are without feet, but are provided with
sucking disks, in the aquatic forms at least.

Fig. 26. Psy c hod id se. 1, Psychoda, wing; 2, Pericoma, wing
(Eaton); 3, Sycorax, wing (Eaton); 4, Trichomyia, wing (Eaton).

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Two simple longitudinal veins between the forked veins. . 2
One simple longitudinal vein between the forked veins. . 4

2. The first simple vein arises from the forked vein much beyond the

anterior cross-vein {Flebotomits!) . . Phlebotomus.
The first simple vein arises near anterior cross- vein. . . 3

3. The second simple vein ends at or near tip of wing (1) . Psychoda
The second simple vein ends distinctly beyond tip of wing (2).

Pericoma.

4. The seventh longitudinal vein (the most posterior one) not much

shorter than the sixth (4) Trichomyia.

The seventh longitudinal vein very short (3). . Sycorax.

11

III. Family DIXIDjE.

Fig. 27. Dixa species; enlarged. After Kell

Rather small, slender, nearly bare species. Proboscis
somewhat projecting; palpi four-jointed; antennce long,
the basal joints thick, those of the flagellum hair-like,
and the joints indistinctly distinguishable. Eyes round,
dichoptic; no ocelli. Thorax strongly convex, without
transverse suture ; scutellum transverse ; metanotum
arched. Abdomen long and slender, composed of seven
or eight segments, thickened posteriorly in the male,
pointed in the female. Legs long and slender; coxae
somewhat elongated; tibiae without terminal spurs.
Wings comparatively large; auxiliary vein present, ter-
minating in the costa before the middle of the wing; the
second vein arises from the first near the middle of the
wing and appears to be the beginning of the third vein,
which continues its direction while the second arches
suddenly forward at or near the anterior cross-vein and
is furcate; fourth vein furcate; four posterior cells pres-

94

DIXIM. 95

ent ; the two basal cells complete ; the anterior cross-
vein is near the beginning of the third vein, where the
second vein curves forward.

The family Dixidae comprises about a score of known
species belonging to the single genus Dixa. The genus
has been placed among the Tipulidse and Culicidae, but
is provisionally isolated into a separate family. The
larvae are aquatic, living in ponds or slowly running
water; they resemble those of the mosquitoes. The flies
are found in bushy, moist places about forests, and have
been observed by Winnertz dancing in the air in swarms.

IV. Family CULICIDJE.

Slender flies, for the most part characterized by the
projecting, slender proboscis and the thickly plumose
antennae of the males. Head small, subspherical ; eyes
reniform; ocelli wanting. Antennae slender, elongate,
composed of fourteen or fifteen joints; first joint globose,
the following elongated, nearly or quite cylindrical and
beset with whorls of hair, forming, with but few excep-
tions, in the male a dense plumosity, but shorter and
less conspicuous in the female; in the male the last two
joints almost always more elongated and nearly bare.
Thorax ovate, arched, but not projecting over the head,
without transverse suture; scutellum narrow, uui- or
trilobate; metauotum usually arched. Abdomen long
and narrow, somewhat flattened, composed of eight or
nine segments; male genitalia prominent; ovipositor
short. Legs long and slender; coxae not elongate ; tarsi
long; claws often denticulate, especially in the males.

J van p ^sr vii n

2EEE£p

'$"- vein

Fig. 28. Venation <>f Culex.

Wings long and narrow, while at rest lying flat over
the abdomen; with six fully developed longitudinal
veins reaching the costal margin; the hind margin is

96

CUUCID.U 97

fringed with hair or vScales and the costal vein encom-
passes the wing ; auxiliary vein distinct, reaching to or
beyond the middle of the wing; second, fourth and fifth
longitudinal veins furcate; third vein simple, arising
from the second angularly beyond the middle of the wing;
anterior cross- vein situated near or even proximal of the
origin of the third vein. Two basal cells present, elon-
gate, the anal cell wide open. Veins of the wings cloth-
ed with scales.

The foregoing description and figure of the wing do
not wholly agree with those of other writers. It is evi-
dent, unless we change the nomenclature of the brachy-
cerous flies, that the furcation of the second vein does
not form a submarginal cell; the so-called 'first submar-
ginal cell' is in reality the second marginal. Further-
more, it is as clearly apparent that the so-called 'poste-
rior cross-vein' is not the vein of that name among the
brachycerous and cyclorrhaphous flies, but is, rather, the
'discal' or 'discoidal cross-vein', or the 'anterior basal
cross-vein'; or, at least, a cross-vein which has not yet
received a definite name.

Since the last edition of this work was published, in
1896, the marvelous discoveries in the life histories of the
Culicidse, and their agency in the transfer of disease,
have given to the family an importance in man's econo-
my second to that of no other group of insects. Indeed,
one may say with entire truth that these little flies, or
'gnats' as the English call them, are the most baneful
and pestilential of all known insects. The microscopical
parasites producing malaria, yellow fever and filariasis
are now known with certainty to be transferred by the
agency of certain mosquitoes from one human being to
another, and it is probable, though of course not certain,
that if all the germ-bearing mosquitoes could be made
extinct these diseases would at least cease to trouble

93

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 29. Mochlonyx cinctipes. Female adult; enlarged.
After J. B. Smith.

CUUCIDiE.

99

mankind. The parasitic microorganism is a small pro-
tozoan which undergoes development in the red corpus-
cles of the blood, destroying them, and there seems to be
no way, in general at least, in which it may be transfer-
red from one person to another save by the activity of
these insects. Taken into the mosquito's stomach with
the blood sucked up by the insect it there undergoes
sexual regeneration, of which the newly generated germs
or 'blasts', penetrating the walls of the mosquito's stom-
ach, reach the salivary glands, and are thence transfer-
red with the poisonous saliva emitted by the insect into
the wounds made by its puncturing 'bites'.

#■

Fi£. 30. Culex taeniorhynchus. 1, female adult ; 2, front claws
of female; 3, front, 4 middle, 5, hind claws of male; all much enlarged.
After J. B. Smith.

IOO

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

Not all mosquitoes are criminals in this respect. Only
certain forms of Anopheles (in its wide sense) are known
to carry the germs of malaria ; while but a single species,

Fig. 31. Anopheles punctipennis. 1, female adult; 2, female pal-
pus; 3- genitalia; 4, part of wing vein showing scales; 5, front, 6,
middle claws of male; all much enlarged. After J. B. Smith.

CULICID^. IOI

the Culex or Stegomyia fasciata, is so far known to cause
the deadly yellow fever. But these disease-bearing spe-
cies are widely distributed over the earth, accounting
for the wide distribution of malaria and yellow fever.

Fig. 32. Aedesfuscus. 1, female adult; 2, female palpus; 3, male
palpus; 4, front, 5, middle, 6, hind claws of male; all much enlarged.
After J. B. Smith.

102 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Probably we shall yet learn of other mosquitoes which
are culprits in these respects.

This gravely important bearing of the mosquitoes in
man's economy has given a tremendous impulse to their
study, though not always with the most happy results so
far as their taxonomy is concerned. Whereas ten or
twelve years ago only about one hundred and fifty spe-
cies of the family were known, we now have an accred-
ited list of Culicidae of nearly or quite six hundred spe-
cies, and there are probably several hundred more yet
awaiting discovery.

It seems a fact that the mosquitoes present but few and
slight structural differences among themselves ; the many
closely related forms seem to indicate a late geological
crudescence. Such organisms are always difficult to
classify. The wing venation has acquired much fixity,
whereas the many secondary sexual differences in the
mouth-organs would indicate a late adaptation to blood-
sucking habits. The Culicinse probably have developed
from the corethrine type, which is doubtless an older
type, now decidedly on the wane. Until within a few
years scarcely a half dozen genera of the mosquitoes had
been recognized by dipterologists, and they were based
chiefly on the secondary sexual mouth characters. Within
these few years, however, the numerous writers on this
group of insects have proposed fully one hundred gen-
era, for the most part merely subdivisions of the older
genera, founded on minor characters, chiefly the shape
and arrangement of the scales of the body and wings. It
seems to be the consensus of opinion among other dipter-
ologists that the use of such characters has been car-
ried to an undue and even absurd extreme. Of course
the first requisite in classification is that distinguishing
characters shall be 'natural', that is genetic, not homo-
plastic or parallel characters. When such are found it

CULICIDjE.

103

really makes little difference how far they are carried,
save that their use in one group, necessitates or stimu-
lates the use of like minor characters in other groups.
One cannot raise a genus of Culicidae to family rank,
without raising all other genera of like degree pari passu.
But I am firmly of the opinion that the scale characters
are in a high degree artificial, and that their use will

Fig. 33. Aedcs musicus. 1, female adult; 3, claws of female front;
6, hind claws of male; enlarged. After J. B. Smith.

104 NORTH AMERICAN DIl'TKRA.

never be accepted by dipterologists in general. And
secondary sexual characters should also be tabooed so
far as possible, since they represent merely evolutional
instability.

The formation of so many genera from these slight
characters, is, however, no worse than the attempt to
classify and name genera and species purely from the
larval stage, which has been done to a degree never be-
fore attempted by scientific dipterologists.

Upon the whole the characters made use of in the fol-
lowing table, verbally modified from Dyar and Knab,
come nearest to my own views of proper classificatory
characters for the family. I am not able to test the table
thoroughly, and cannot vouch for it, but I believe it to
be the best that has so far appeared. The student may
also consult a recent table of the genera published by
D. W. Coquillett.*

The habits of the immature stages of the Culicidce are
so familiar to all that little need be said here res/ardinLr

o o

them.

The eggs are laid by the females upon the surface of
stagnant or nearly stagnant water, in groups or singly,
whence the young larvoe, hatching, descend into the
water to form those active little creatures of the rain-
barrel, commonly known as 'wigglers'. The pupal stage
is less active, passed in large part near the surface of the
water, hanging by the respiratory tubes. The adult in-
sect emerges from the pupal skin through a rent, using
its discarded shell as a temporary raft until its wings
are fully extricated.

The following description of the larvae of the mosqui-
toes is paraphrased from Dyar and Knab:

Bull. I'. S. Dept. Agric Tech. Ser. No. n (1906).

CULICID^.

105

3"

Fig. 34. Psorophora ciliata. 1, female adult; 2, female palpus; 3,
front; 4, hind claws of mile; enlarged. After J. B. Smith.

12

io6

NORTH AM URIC AN DIPTERA.

Head well formed, enclosed in a ehitinous covering;
with compound eyes, single-jointed antennae, a group of
' hairs before the oral orifice, toothed mandibles, maxillae,
and single-jointed palpi. Thoracic segments consolida-
ted into a transversely elliptical flattened mass; abdomen
with nine slender and moniliform segments, the eighth
with a dorsal, respiratory opening, often prolonged into
a ehitinous tube; last segment furnished with a ehitin-
ous plate, and usually with four delicate anal append-
ages. The body has setae in tufts or singly, usually
more or less conspicuously feathered. From other aquatic
nematocerous larvae, the mosquitoes are distinguished
by the presence of the mouth-brush, the shape of the
anal segment and the absence of abdominal feet. The
larvae of Dixa and the Corethrinae are practicably indis-
tinguishable from those of the Culicinae, save by minor
characters.*

Pig. 35. Culicidte. 1, Megarhinus, wing; 2, Megarhinus, head,
male; 3. . ledes, winy; 4. Hcemagogus, bean, female; 5. front claws
of ftcemagogus, male; 6, Wyeotnyia, head of female; 7, Corethra, hind
tarsus.

TABLE OF GENERA.
Proboscis short, not adapted for piercing. . . Corethrinae.
Proboscis much longer than the head, firm, adapted for piercing.
Mosquitoes Culicinae.

*I especially commend to the student interested in this family of flies
the comprehensive and richly illustrated Report upon the Mosquitoes
of New Jersey (1904), by Prof. J. B. Smith.

CUUCID.-E. IO?

CORETHRIN^.

1. Hind metatarsi shorter than the following joint {Corethra* Coquil-

lett) . (fig. 29) . . . . . . Mochlonyx.

Hind metatarsi longer than the following joint. ... 2

2. Small species; ungues simple. ....... 3

Large species (10 mm); ungues bifid. . . . Pelorempis.

2. Antenna; verticillate {Sayomyia Coquillett) (7). Corethra.

Antennae of male thickly clothed with long hairs; of the female

with a basal and an irregular median circlet of hairs on each

joint Corethrella.

CULICIN^E.

AFTER DYAR AND KNAB.

i. Metauotum without setae (Culicini) 2

Metanotum with setae (Sabethini). ..... 15

2. Scutellum evenly rounded, not lobed. ..... 3

Scutellum distinctly trilobate. .....: 4

3. Second marginal cell longer than its petiole (fig. 31) Anopheles.
Second marginal cell less than half as long as its petiole (1, 2) .

Megarhinus.

4. Hind tibiae near their tip with a row of seven to twelve closelv

set setae. .......... 5

Hind tibiae with none to five sparsely set setae. ... 14

5. Scutellum with its median lobe elongate, collar-like, not tubercu-

larly prominent, .... ..... 6

Scutellum with its median lobe distinctly prominent and tuber-
cular. ........... 7

6. Terminal antennal joints slender, long. . . Mansonia.
Terminal antennal joints short, broad. . . . Aedomyia.

7. Second joint of antennae very long, 14:1. . Deinocerites.
Second joint of antennae moderately long, less than 8:1. . 8

8. Second marginal cell less than half as long as its petiole.

Uranotaenia.
Second marginal cell at least nearly as long as its petiole. 9

* My examination of the literature leads me to quite different con-
clusions than those of Coquillett regarding the types of Corethra and
Mochlonyx. There is no call for disturbing these names so long es-
tablished.

Io8 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTRRA.

9. Head with a distinct neck, the occiput broad and exposed (fig. 34) .

Psorophora.

Head without distinct neck, appressed to the thorax. . 10

10. Cross-veins approximated and nearly in line with the 1 asal sec-

tion of the third vein. . . . - . Culiseta.

Cross-veins not approximated, separated by at least the length of

the posterior. .........11

11. Last segment of the female abdomen not extensile, large, trun-

cate; male genitalia with the harpes slender, columnar, with

bent, spined tip Taeniorhynchus.

Last .segment of the female abdomen extensile, slender; male
genitalia with harpes broad, concavelv curved. . . 12

12. Clypeus bare. ........'. 13

Clypeus with dense appressed scales. . . . Stegomyia.

13. Prothoracic lobes approximated (4,5). . HsemagOgus.
Prothoracic lobes well separated (figs. 32, 33). . Aedes.

14. Km podia large. Lutzia.

Kmpodia small (fig. 30). ...... Culex.

15. Clypeus without hairs. ........ 16

Clvpeus hairy on the sides. ..... Joblotia.

16. Prothoracic lobes contiguous, densely hairy. . Sabethes.
Prothoracic lobes well separated. . . . . . .17

17. Byes narrowly separated by the front; proboscis rather short,

swollen at tip. ......... iS

Kyes contiguous at vertex. . . . . . . . 19

in. Hind tarsi with two claws, normal (6). . . Wyeomyia.
Hind tarsi with but a single claw. . . . Limatus.

19. No erect forked scales on occiput; proboscis longer than the body.

Phoniomyia.

With a row of erect forked scales on occiput; proboscis not longer

than the body. ......... 20

20. Face normal, smooth. .... Lesticocampa.
Face with a conical process above the clypeus. Runchomyia.

The following synonymy is given by Dyar and Knab:

Anopheles Meigen: Myzomyia Blanch., Cycloleppteron Theob:
Nototricha Coq., Cellia Theob., Arribalzagia Theob., Coelodiazesis

I), and K.
Mansonia Blanch.: Pneumaculex Dyar.

CUUCID^. I09

Taeniorhynchus Lynch: Coquillettidia Dyar.

Aedes Meigen: Ochlerotatus Lynch, Hetoronycha hyx\c\\,Janthino-
soma Lynch, Conchyliastes Coq., Grabhamia Theob., Howardina
Theob., Culiselsa Felt, Culicada Felt, Ecculex Felt, Protoculex Felt,
Pseudoculex Dyar, Gymnometopa Coq., Lcpidoplatys Co(\., Fellidia
Dyar, Ceratocystia D. & K.

Hsemagogus Will.: Cacomyia Coq., Stegoconops Lutz.

CulexLinn.; Neoculex Dyar, Culicella Felt, Melanoconion, Theob.,
Tinolestes Coq. , Micrades Coq., Isostomyia Coq., Mochlostyrax D.&K.

Sabethes R.-D. : Sabethoides Theob.

Wyeomyia Theob.: Dendromyia Theob.

Limatus Theob.: Simondella Laveran.

Joblotia Blanchard: Trichoprosopon Theob/

V. Family CHIRONOMIDjE.

Gnatlike flies of slender form, seldom reaching ten mil-
limeters in length; the males conspicuous for their plu-
mose antennae. Head small, spheroidal, more or less
concealed by a projecting, hoodlike thorax. Antenna;
threadlike or beadlike with not less than six nor more
than fifteen joints; in the male usually with a long dense
plumosity; in the female with inconspicuous hairs and
sometimes with a smaller number of joints; the first joint
short and thick. Eyes reniform or oval; ocelli wanting
or rudimentary; proboscis short; palpi three or four-
jointed; the last usually elongated. Thorax ovate, very
convex, usually projecting above in front more or less
over the head; without transverse suture; scutellum
small, hemispherical. Abdomen usually narrow and
long, composed of eight segments; hypopygium project-
ing forcep-like ; ovipositor very short, but little devel-
oped ; legs usually slender and long ; especially the front
pair; coxae of moderate length. Tarsi often much elon-
gated. Wings narrow and long; bare or uniformly hairy;
anterior veins stronger and darker colored than the others;
auxiliary vein complete, but usually very weak and slen-
der; second longitudinal vein usually wanting; third
vein sometimes forked close to its origin, the upper branch
often rectangular and having the appearance of a super-
numerary cross-vein ; fourth vein often, the fifth usually,
furcate; posterior cross-vein often wanting; the costal
vein terminates near the tip of the wing at the termina-
tion of the third vein.

This family comprises a large number of very delicate,
often minute flies, commonly known as midges, which

no

CHIRONOMIDiE. in

have not been much studied by entomologists; about
one thousand species are known throughout the world.
They will be distinguished from the mosquitoes, which
they resemble very much, by the costal vein not being
continuous on the posterior side of the wing. The an-
tennae are usually conspicuous, especially in the males,
although agreeing in this respect with male mosquitoes.
The larvae are soft-skinned, worm-like, often blood-red
in color and usually aquatic, as are also the active pupae,
though some live in decomposing vegetable matter, or in
the earth. These midges are often seen, especially in
the early spring or in the autumn, in immense swarms,
dancing in the air, and have doubtless in many cases
given rise to exaggerated stories of mosquitoes. Over
meadows in the Rocky Mountains the writer has seen
them rise at nightfall in the most incredible numbers,
producing noise like that of a distant waterfall, and audi-
ble for a considerable distance. While at rest they
usually raise their forelegs in the air and keep them con-
stantly vibrating. Aquatic larvae may be frequently met
with in standing water, often extremely delicate little
creatures, so transparent as to be hardly distinguishable;
they have been dredged from nearly one thousand feet
below the surface of L,ake Superior.

Most of the species are inoffensive, or actually benefi-
cial as scavengers. Thej;e are some, however, belonging
to the genus Ceratopogpn and its allies, and known gen-
erally as midges, or punkies, which have the power of
sucking blood and are extremely annoying. In the White
Mountains, at the seashore, along mountain streams gen-
erally, and in the West Indies they are especially trouble-
some. The larvae live in the flowing sap of trees, in
decaying vegetation, under fallen leaves, or in water.

I have included in this family, and have added to Pro-
fessor Johannsen's table the diagnosis of the genus

I 12

NORTH AMKRICAN DIITKRA.

Fig. 36. Chironotnidse. 1, Ablabestnyia, wing; 2, Chironotnus,

win^; 3 Corynoneura, wing (Johannsen); 4, Culicoides, wing; 5,Jo-
hannseniella, wing; 5a, Johannseniellat antenna; 6, Orthocladius,
wing; 7, Bezzia, wing; 7a Bezzia, front leg; 7b, Bezzia, palpus; 8,
Diamesa, wing (Johannsen); 9, Protfadius, Tanypus, wings (Jo-
hannsen); 10, Jo/iantisriiitila, PalpOtnyia wings (Johannsen); 11,
Slenoxenus, wing (Coqnillett); 12, 13, 14, Ceratopogon (enipodiuin of
12, omitted); 13a, Ceratopogon, antenna; 13b, Ceratopogon palpus;
15, Camptocladius (Wulp).

CHIRONOMID.E.

"3

Stenoxenus Coquillett, (fig. n) referred by its author to
a new family. Mr. Coquillett's interpretation of the
neuration is clearly wrong: the fourth vein is coalescent
with the third and first for a considerable distance, but
all three veins are distinct distally and of the usual Chi-
ronomid structure. The genus was based upon a single
female specimen without antennae, so that its more exact
position in the family must await further study.

TABLE OF GENERA.

BY PROF. O. A. JOHANNSEN.

1. First, third and fourth longitudinal veins coalescent for the larger

part of the distance between the humeral cross-vein and the
posterior branch of the fourth; third vein long, not connected
with the first vein by a cross-vein; front concave (11).

Stenoxenus.
Fourth vein not at all coalescent with the first. ... 2

2. Wings short, strap-like, thickened, and without distinct venation.

Eretmoptera.
Wings normal. ......... 3

3. Posterior (i. e. the 'anterior basal') cross-vein present, the second

basal cell complete 4

Posterior cross-vein absent, no second basal cell. ... 14

4. Antennae with fifteen joints in both sexes, rarely twelve or four-

teen jointed in the female; long plumose in the male, penulti-
mate joint elongate, apical joint very small. {Tanypus, sens.

lat.) -5

Antennae of the male with nine or with fourteen joints, the female
with seven or eight joints. ....... 12

5. Wings bare, 6

Wings hairy. .......... 9

6. Fork of the fifth vein petiolate 7

Furcation of the fifth vein slightly proximad of the posterior

cross-vein. .......... 8

7. First vein forked at its extremity (9) . . Procladius Skuse.
First vein simple Psilotanypus Kieffer.

8. First vein forked at its extremity. . Anatopynia Johannsen.
First vein simple Protanypus Keiffer.

H4

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

9. Pork of the fifth vein petiolate. ...... 10

Furcation of the fifth vein slightly proximad of the posterior

cross- vein. . . . . . . . . . .11

10. First vein forked at its extremity (9). . . . Tanypus.
First vein simple Trichotanypus KieflVr.

11. First vein forked at its extremity. Ablabesmyia Johannsen.
Fork of the first vein ami the second vein pale and indistinct; an-
tennae of the female twelve jointed. . Isoplastus Skuse.

12. Fourth tarsal joint shorter than the fifth, obcordate. . . [3
Fourth tarsal joint linear. . . . Prodiamesa Kieffer.

13. Antennae of the male with fourteen plumose joints; terminal joint

very long; antennae of the female with seven or eight short
haired joints (8) Diamesa.

Antenna- of both sexes short-haired, the terminal joint oval; those
of the male with nine, of the female with eight joints.

(The female does not seem to differ from Diamesa.)

Eutanypus.

14. Thorax with a median longitudinal fissure; small species, usually

with blackish wings having white markings. Chasmatonotv.s
Thorax without longitudinal fissure 15

15. Claws cleft; first vein ending not far from the tip of wing: anten-

nae seven jointed in both sexes. . . Telmatogeton.

Claws not cleft, though sometimes toothed on the side. . [6

id. First vein thickened at apex, anal angle of wing obsolete; antennae

of the male with ten or eleven joints, of the female with six

joints; very minute flies (3). . . Corynoneura.

Not with all the above characters. . . ■ , . 17

17. Fourth longitudinal vein simple; antennae of male with fourteen
joints, closely sessile, plumose, the terminal joint cylindrical;
antennae of the female with seven joints, short haired; (second
and third joints sometimes more or less coalescent). Chirono-

in/es, sens, lat 18

Fourth longitudinal vein furcate; antennae of both sexes fourteen
jointed, except with Tersest hes. ..... 25

iS. Fourth tarsal joint obcordate, shorter than the fifth; front meta-
tarsus shorter than its tibia; wing under low magnification bare.

Thalassomyia.
Fourth tarsal joint linear. ....... 19

CHIRONOMID.E. II5

19. Wings bare. .......... 20

Wings hairy. .......... 23

20. Front metatarsi as long or longer than tibiae (2) . Chironomus.
Front metatarsi distinctly shorter than their tibiae. . . 21

21. Legs, especially the front pair, sharply black and white annulate.

Cricotopus.
Legs not so banded. ........ 22

22. Posterior branch of fifth vein sinuous (15). Camptocladius.

Posterior branch of the fifth vein straight or gently arched (6).

Orthocladius.

SUBGENERA OF ORTHOCLADIUS.

a. Eyes hairy Trichocladius Kieffer.

Eyes bare. ..... b.

b. Pulvilli large, empodium long and filiform.

Psectrocladius Kieffer.
Pulvilli wanting. ..... c.

c. Empodium filiform. . . . Dactylocladius Kieffer.
Empodium not distinct. .... Orthocladius.

23. Front metatarsi longer than their tibiae; anal angle of wings but

slightly developed; anterior cross-vein very short and some-
times difficult to distinguish Tanytarsus.

Front metatarsi shorter than their tibiae. .... 24

24. Thorax produced conically, nipple-like, in front over the head;

hind tibiae dilated and hairy. . . . Eurycnemus.
Thorax moderately produced, hind tibiae not dilated.

Metriocnemus.

25. Antennae with thirteen joints (counting the large basal) wings

with anal angle; palpi three-jointed, penultimate joint swollen.

Tersesthes.

Antennae with fourteen joints in both sexes, the terminal joint

only moderately elongated; male antennae plumose (Ceratopo-

go?i, sens, lat.) ......... 26

26. Last tarsal joint with empodium, either distinct or developed pul-

villiform; wings usually hairy; femora without spines, tarsal
claws equal. ......... 27

Last tarsal joint without empodium; wings usually bare. . 28

27. Empodium well developed, almost as long as the claws, these with-

out setae (12, 13, 14) Ceratopogon.

u6 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

SUBGKNKRA OF CKRATOPOGO.N.

a. Win^s bare Atrichopogon Kieffer.

Wings hairy. b.

1). Hind metatarsus longer than the following joint, sometimes in
the male only equal. .... Ceratopogon.

c. Hind metatarsus shorter than the following joint, sometimes
equal in the female. . . Forcipomyia Megerle.

Empodium not so distinct, less than half as long as the claws, tin-
latter with setae at base; hind metatarsus always longer than
the following joint. {Oecacta is probably a synonym) (4).

Culicoides Latreille.

28. A cross-vein between the first and third veins. ... 29
No cross-vein between the first and the third veins. Bezzia Kieffer.

SUBGKNKRA OF BRZZIA.

a. Femora without prominent spines on the underside.

Probezzia Kieffer.

b. Some or all femora with spines. .... Bezzia.

29. Femora unarmed, that is without stout black spines on the under

side [Ceratoloph us Kieffer. ) (5) Johannseniella Williston.
Some or all the femora spinose beneath. .... 30

30. Either fore or hind femora much thickened. ... 31
Femora not noticeably thickened (10). Palpomyia Megerle.

SUBGENERA OF PALPOMYIA.

a. Antennae of lx>th sexes verticillate with short hairs.

Alasion Rondani.
Antennae of the male plumose b.

b. Last tarsal joint with two rows of coarse spines below.

Sphseromyas Stephens.
Last tarsal joint hairy below. . . Palpomyia Megerle.

31. Pore femora thickened. . . . , . Heteromyia.
Hind femora thickened. .... Serromyia Megerle.

ADDITIONAL GENERIC REFERENCES FOR THE CHIRONOMIDiE.

Johannsen. Bui. 86. N. V. State Museum 1905. (Ablabesmyia, Ana-
topynia) .

Kieffer. Hid. Soc. Entotn. France. 1899.
Ann. Soc. Sc. Unix. XXX. 1906.
" Genera Insectorum. Chironomidae. 190(1.

Latrielle. den. Crust, et Ins. IV. 1809. (Culicoides.)

Megerle. In Meigen's System. Heschr. Kur. Zweifl. I. 1818. (For-
cipomyia, Serromyia, Palpomyia).

Rondani. Prodromus. II. 1857. (Alasion).

Skuse. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales. IV. 1889. (Procladius, Iso-
plastus) .

Stephens. Catalogue Krit. Ins. II. 1829. (Sphserotnyas.)

Williston. Journal N. V. Knt. Soc. XV. March, 1907.

VI. Family CECIDOMYID^.

Fig. 37. Diplosis pini-radiattT, enlarged. After Kellogg. Eggs,
pupa, larva, 'breast-bone' and imago.

Small, slender flies with broad wings, and long anten-
nae and feet. Head small; eyes round or reniform, some-
times holoptie ; ocelli usually wanting; antennas long,
cylindrical or bead-like, composed of a large number of
joints — ten to thirty-six; in many species the joints
beaded or petiolate and verticillate, especially in the $ ;
proboscis short, very rarely elongated ; palpi usually
with four joints. Thorax ovate; more or less convex,
without transverse suture ; abdomen composed of eight
segments; hypopygium composed of a pair of projecting
hooklets; ovipositor sometimes much elongated. Legs
long and slender; coxae not very long; tibiae without
terminal spurs ; the first joint of tarsi sometimes very
short. Wings large, usually hairy, narrowed at the root,
without alula; at the most with five, usually with but
three longitudinal veins; viz, the first, the third, and the
fifth; the fourth and the sixth sometimes present; the
humeral cross-vein indistinct, or wanting; costal vein
enclosing the entire wing; veins all weak; the fifth usu-

(13) "7

nS NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

ally furcate; anterior cross-vein very near the root of the
wing, often appearing as the beginning of the third vein,
the real origin of the third vein having the appearance
of a short cross-vein; only one basal cell present.

The family Cecidomyidse includes a very large number
of frail, delicate, often very minute flies, but is of the
greatest interest to the biologist as well as the economic
entomologist. At present about 600 species are known
from Europe alone.

The egg of the Cecidomyidae is somewhat elongated,
rounded at both ends, orange-yellow or white in color.
The time required for hatching is very variable and de-
pends upon the weather, sometimes requiring a very few-
hours, but more generally a few days or even weeks.
The larval food is almost wholly vegetable. The larvae
of some species have been bred from decaying wood and
bulbs, others from under the bark of trees, or from fungi.
But the great majority prefer living plants, attacking
the soft and green parts. Most of the larvae are 1110110-
phagous, living almost exclusively on a single kind of
plant, or at least closely allied plants; but there are cer-
tain exceptions, such as C. sisymbrii, which is said to
form the gall in spring on the barberry, and later in the
season on a nasturtium. There are certain others which
are inquilinous, that is guests or parasites in galls formed
by other Cecidomyids. Finally, some live parasitically
in the society of plant lice. Not a few, such as the Hes-
sian fly, live upon the surface of plants, or in the axils
of their leaves; but the greater number penetrate inside
the plant, producing the so-called galls. Every part of
the plant from the root to the flower and the fruit is lia-
ble to such attacks. With a few rare exceptions, each
species attacks the same part of the plant and deforms it
in the same manner. The galls cause deformations and
excrescences attached to the stalk, stems, or flowers, de-

CECIDOMYID^).

II9

Fig. 38. Cecidomyidae. 1, Lasioptcra; 2, Epidosis; 3, Cecidomyia;
4, Hormomyia; 5, Trichopteromyia; 6, Lestremia; 7, Miastor; 8,
Spaniocera; 9, Catocha; 10, Co/podia; 11, Heteropeza; 12, Asynapta;
13, Winnertzia; 14, Diplosis {Lestodiplosis) ; 15, Wtnnertzia.

stroying the plant-tissue. When first hatched the larvae
are colorless and translucent, with the alimentary canal
showing through the skin greenish. Later in life they
assume different shades of red or yellow. They have the
extraordinary number of fourteen segments, thus forming
an apparent exception to the larvae of all other insects,
which as a general rule, have thirteen. The supernu-
merary segment is placed between the head and first
thoracic segment. The larvae have nine pairs of stigmata
along the sides of the body apparent as more or less nip-
ple-shaped projections. The head is not differentiated;

I20 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

the jaws are rudimentary and there are large two-jointed
palpi or antennae. The last abdominal segment is smooth
and rounded, sometimes with tubercles or a pair of horny
processes which are said to be used by the larvae in leap-
ing. On the under side of the body at the junction of
the first thoracic with the supernumerary segment there
is a horny, more or less elongated appendage whose use
or homology is unknown. It varies in shape in different
species, the free end sometimes terminating in two points,
sometimes in one, sometimes toothed and serrated. This
organ, the spathula stcrnalis of Mik, has been called by
Osten Sacken the 'breast bone'; in England it is known
as the 'anchor process'. (See figure of Diplosis pini-radi-
at<c). By some it is thought to be a pseudopod; by others
the mentum; and Miss Ormerod believes its function is
that of a scraper or digger in obtaining food from the
stems. More probably its use is for locomotion, or for
changing the position of the larvae in its cocoon or case.
The motions of the larvae are usually slow, save of
those which li\*e on the surface of leaves. Those which
change their abode before assuming the pupa state be-
come very active about the period of metamorphosis. A
very great activity was observed by Wiunertz in some
such larvae after a thunder storm. They left their hiding
places under ground and crawled about restlessly for
some time; repeating these actions after every thunder
storm, some even two months after leaving their galls.

Owing to their rudimentary mouth-parts it seems evi-
dent that the larvae must feed upon juices only, and that
they need very little nourishment is shown by the fact
that they attain their full growth and development in a
gall just large enough to enclose them, apparently her-
metically sealed and for the most part with hard walls.
It is probable that they absorb nourishment in a cpuiescent
state. As many as sixty individuals have been known

CECIDOMYIM. 121

to live in a single gall. What causes the galls is not
easy to say; probably some peculiar irritation produced
by the insect. It is probable that the larvae generally
do not undergo moulting like most dipterous larvae.
Before assuming the pupa state some larvae leave their
galls and conceal themselves under ground, in dry leaves
and moss or under the bark of trees; while others, on
the contrary, complete their transformation within the
gall itself. The pupae are generally, but not always, en-
closed in the cocoon, which Winnertz says is produced
by an exudation or excretion from the larvae and is not
spun. Larvae which had fastened themselves to the leaf
were surrounded in twenty-four hours by a white halo of
thread-like particles like spicules or crystals, the larvae
remaining almost wholly motionless. The cocoon is com-
pleted within a few days but even then shows no traces
of a genuine web. There seems to be no doubt, how-
ever, but that they do in some cases actually spin a
cocoon, as is so frequently the case among the fungus-
gnats. The change to the pupa state is marked by an
alteration of color, the anterior segments of the larvae
become distended, and the legs, wings, and antennae de-
veloping and rapidly attaining their full pupal dimen-
sions.

The period of pupation is very variable, depending
upon warmth and moisture. The development is retarded
by cold, though they are capable of withstanding a very
low degree of temperature.

One of the most remarkable things in the biology of
these or any other insects was discovered by Wagner in
i860. According to this scientist, the larvae of certain
species belonging to the genus Miastor, and which live
under the bark of trees, produce from ovary-like organs
a number of eggs which hatch within the abdominal cav-
ity of the parent and there remain, feeding upon the

,22 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

abdominal tissues which surround them, until they are
consumed. They then escape to increase in size and pro-
duce another generation in the same remarkable manner.
These series of asexual reproductions are repeated until
finally, from the last brood, pupae are developed which
undergo their transformation into imagines, and from
which a new series of eggs, agamic broods of larvae and
pupa.' in their turn result. There are other instances of
paedogenetic reproduction among diptera, but none so
interesting as this.

This family contains some of the most destructive of
all insects in man's economy, and perhaps the most im-
portant of these is Cecidomyia (Mayetiola) destructor, com-
monly called the Hessian Fly, from the belief, probably
erroneous, that it was first introduced into this country
in straw brought by Hessian troops during the Revo-
lution.

The fly is very small, but little more than an eighth of
an inch in length, of a prevailing black color, with the
abdomen pinkish or brownish. There are two broods, in
spring and autumn. The female deposits her eggs, one
or two at a time, on the upper side of the leaves of wheat,
to the number of from eighty to a hundred, or even more.
Hatching in from four to eight days, if the weather is
favorable, the yellowish red larvae crawl downward on
the leaves until they insert themselves between the leaf
and the stalk. Here they remain quiescent, growing by
means of imbibition or absorption of the juices of the
plant, until they reach the size of a small grain of rice.
The larvae that are hatched in April, in a few weeks as-
sume the pupa state, called the flax-seed stage. In Aug-
ust the second brood appears, the female of which deposits
her eggs in young winter wheat or other grain, where the
larva.- soon hatch and acquire the flax-seed condition in
a few weeks, or by November, in which condition they

CECIDOMYIDiR.

123

pass the winter. In England there is bnt one brood, that
of early summer, and the fly is not nearly so injurious to
growing grain.

I give two tables of the genera. The first is that of the
previous edition of this work with minor modifications,
and is nearly that of Wulp, Sehiner, Winnertz and H.
Loew, with additions. The figures illustrating these
principal groups are, for the most part, taken from Wulp,
and are of typical forms in the sense of Kieffer. In ad-
dition I give a transcription of Kieffer's table as publish-
ed by him in 1898 (Bull. Soc. d'Hist. Nat. Metz.), with
certain abbreviations, especially of those characters de-
rived from the structure of the genital organs, characters
which I view with suspicion ; and I have modified his
terminology in accordance with the true conception of
the dipterous venation, since Kieffer's terminology is
only a makeshift, not based upon comparative studies,
Some of Kieffer's genera are evidently founded upon
characters which would have been considered of generic
value by the older writers, but, for the most part, they
are merely permutations of what have, hitherto, been
considered as specific characters, and I am convinced
that some of them, as he defines them, are in a high de-
gree artificial. One should always be suspicious of char-
acters which permit perfectly parallel subdivisions in
parallel phyla, for one must be assured that the charac-
ters selected for primary subdivisions are not really ho-
moplastic and of secondary importance, and it is apparent
that some other writer with different views of the relative
importance of these characters might properly revolu-
tionize the whole system. Furthermore, it will be appar-
ent that Kieffer in some places ignores as of slight or
minor value characters which in other places he raises
to higher rank. His 'pelote unique', 'trois pelotes',
'crochets bifides' and 'crochets simples', as well as the

I24 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

never ending permutations of palpal and antennal joints,
are repeatedly used and according to his view are wholly
homoplastic characters, while it is seriously to be con-
sidered whether many of them are not of real genetic
origin, and consequently untenable in their subdivision al
and repeated uses. Older writers had recognized many,
if not most of these characters, but had refrained from
using them.

In other words, I consider the present classification
offered by Kieffer as largely artificial and consequently
not permanent. But the table will call the attention of
the student to many minor characters which he would
otherwise be very apt to overlook.

I do not accept the contention of Karsch, with which I
have long been familiar, that the names Cecidomyia and
Diplosis should be differently applied or abandoned.
Nor can I agree with Professor Aldrich that these changes
have been threshed out in Europe. I can find no writer
whose opinion is authoritative who has accepted them,
nor did Kieffer. On the contrary Osten Sackeu, whose
opinion I value more than that of any other recent
writer, has steadily opposed not only these changes,
but the apparently unnecessary reduplication of the gen-
era, for it must be remembered that Kieffer alone has
proposed and adopted about fifty new 'genera'. Hendel,
in reply to Osten Sacken's objections, has said that gen-
era exist in nature, and that all we have to do is to
recognize them — a remarkable declaration from a nat-
uralist of the twentieth century. I suppose he would
permit 'Nature' to occasionally revise its genera a la De
Vries! While it is true that the typical species of Meigen's
genus Cecidomyia is not included in that genus as accept-
ed by Loew and in this work, but is included under
Diplosis, it is also true that rigid rules of priority can not
be extended to the works of many of the early writers. If

CECIDOMYIDvE. 1 25

they are, not a few other revolutions of a similar charac-
ter would impend, notably that of the genus Milesia, as I
have made clear in my Synopsis of the North American
Syrphidse.

In brief, the classification, or rather the nomenclature
of this family is still in a more or less chaotic condition,
and will be so until much more study has been given to
the insects, especially those of America and Asia. As
Aldrich has said, there is no more fertile field in all dip-
terology for thorough, exhaustive, ethologic, morpho-
logic, taxonomic and phylogenic studies than among the
Cecidomyidse. But there are many difficulties in their
study. Doubtless if Kieffer's principles of generic sub-
division are accepted, there are a host of new 'genera' to
be discovered in North America, for the permutations of
antennae, palpi and tarsi are by no means exhausted.
My advice is, however, for the non-specialist to go very
slowly indeed in adding to what may prove to be an
already unnecessary confusion.

TABLE OF GENERA.

(For the most part in their wider sense.)

Fourth longitudinal vein wanting. . . . Cecidomyinse.
Fourth longitudinal vein present (ocelli present) . Lestreminse.

CECIDOMYIN^.

1. First tarsal joint shorter than the following one. . . 2
First tarsal joint longer than the following one. ... 14

2. Fifth longitudinal vein not furcate. (8) . . . Spaniocera.
Fifth longitudinal vein furcate 3

3. First and third longitudinal veins approximated to the costa, dis-

tingiaishable with difficulty; costa tomentose. ... 4

Third longitudinal vein distinctly separated from the first. 6

4. Fifth longitudinal vein furcate near the middle. . . 5
Fifth longitudinal vein furcate at base, giving an appearance of

two longitudinal veins. (See DD, p. 127.)

I26 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

5. Proboscis much elongated, directed downward. Clinorhyncha.
Proboscis short (1) Lasioptera.

6. Antennae bead-like, the joints verticillate. ... 7
Antennae cylindrical, the joints approximated, not petiolate, pro-

vided with short, close hairs; the third vein terminates at or
beyond the tip of the wing. . . . Asphondylia.

7. The third longitudinal vein terminates in the costa before the tip

of the wing (3), Cecidomyia.

The third vein terminates in the costa at or beyond the tip of the
wing. .......... 8

8. Thorax highly arched, hood-like over the head (4). Hormomyia
Thorax only moderately arched. ...... 9

9. Wings with but three longitudinal veins, the first, third and fifth. 10
Wings with apparently four longitudinal veins, that is the first,

third and, two in place of the fifth, the furcation taking place
so near the root of the wings as to give the appearance of an
additional longitudinal vein. ...... 13

10. The anterior cross- vein, that is the vein arising from the root of

the wing and connecting with the third vein nearly where it
arises from the first, is curved S-shaped. . . . . II

The anterior cross-vein is nearly straight, apparently the begin-
ning of the third vein. . . . . . 12

11. Wings very long and narrow (10). . . . Colpodia.
Wings not more than three times as long as wide (2). Epidosis

12. Joints of the antenna! flagellnm petiolate, in the male with two

bead-like swellings on each joint (14). . . Diplosis.

Joints not petiolate, or at most the males with a single bead-like

swelling on each joint. ...... Dirhiza.

13. Palpi large, with the last joint elongated, anterior cross-vein

S-shaped Asynapta.

Palpi small, the last joint not or but little longer than the penulti-
mate; anterior cross-vein but little curved (13). Winnertzia.

14. Wings with but two longitudinal veins, the first and fifth, the lat-

ter not reaching beyond the middle of the wing (11) .

Heteropeza.
Wings with three longitudinal veins, the first, third and fifth. 15

15. Fifth vein furcate. i«

Fifth vein simple, not furcate (7) Miastor.

cecidomyim;.

127

16. First and third veins approximated (Diomyza). Lasiopteryx.
First and third veins. not approximated (5) . Trichopteromyia.

LESTREMIN^.

1. Fourth longitudinal vein simple. ...... 2

Fourth longitudinal vein furcate; the two branches of the fifth,

when present, are divergent at base of the wing, giving the ap-
pearance of longitudinal veins. ...... 4

2. Fifth longitudinal vein furcate near base. . Strobliella K.
Fifth longitudinal vein furcate near its middle {Joannisia K., Pe-

romyia K., WasmaniellaTL., Bryomyia K., Prionellus K.,
Aprionus K. , Monardia K.) 3

3. Antennae composed of from fourteen to twenty-five joints, the

joints petiolate in the male. . . . Campylomyza.

Antennae composed often (male) , or six or eight (female) joints,

the joints petiolate in neither sex. . . . Micromyia.

4. The costal vein reaches to or exceeds the tip of the wing. Catocha
The costal vein does not reach the tip of the wing (9) . . 5

5. Only one vein behind the forked cell. . . . Tritozyga.
Two veins behind the forked cell (6) . . . ; Lestremia.

TABLE OF GENERIC DIVISIONS (Kieffer).

CECIDOMYINjE.

A. First joint of tarsi shorter than the second; wings rounded at ex-
tremity; no ocelli.
B. Wings with squamae on anterior border; claws bifid.
C. First two longitudinal veins very close to the costa.

D. Three longitudinal veins, the first, third and fifth, the

fifth furcate near the middle.

1. Proboscis short. .... Lasioptera.

2. Proboscis elongate. . . . Clinorhyncha.
DD. Four longitudinal veins, that is the fifth is divided near

base of wing.

3. Thorax attenuated at neck. . Acorhynchus R.

4. Palpi with one joint. . . . Baldratia K.

5. Palpi with four joints. . . Choristoneura L.
CC. Third longitudinal vein, at least, remote from costa.

E. Empodia simple.

6. The third longitudinal vein terminates at or near

extremity of wing. . . . Cecidomyia.

7. The third longitudinal vein terminates at some dis-

tance before tip of wing. . . Perrisia Rond.

8. Flagellar joints with two verticils; alike in both sexes.

Macrolabis K.

I28 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

EE. Empodia trifid.*

9. Antennae composed of twelve joints in l)oth sexes.

Arnoldia K.

10. Joints of antennae more numerous in male than in fe-

male; last abdominal segment not swollen.

Dryomyia K.

11. Antennae composed of more than twelve joints; last ab-

dominal segment swollen <9b • • Dasyneura.
HI?. Anterior border of the wings without squamae; claws simple.
!•'. Empodia simple.

12. Palpi with four joints; antennae fonrteen-jointed, verti-

cillate Schizomyza K.

13. Palpi four-jointed; antennae fonrteen-jointed, not verti-

cillate Polystepha.

14. Palpi three-jointed; costa with squamae. Cystiphora K.

15. Antennae fonrteen-jointed, not verticillate; palpi with

less than four joints. . . . Asphondylia.

FF. Empodia trifid; antennae verticillate.

16. Palpi with one or two joints. . Rhopalomyia R.

17. Palpi with three joints. . . Oligotrophus Lat.

18. Palpi with four joints, long. . . . Janetiella K.

19. The second vein reaches the tip of the wing, palpi with

four joints Mayetiola K.

20. Palpi with four long joints. . . . Mikiola K.

21. Thorax produced over head. . . Hormomyia.
BRH. Thorax not prolonged over the head; antenna; fonrteen-jointed

in 1>oth sexes; in the male each joint of the flagellnm with two
bead-like swellings, giving an appearance of twenty-six joints
for the antennae.
G. Claws of front tarsi bifid, or curved at right angle and enlarged
at extremity; or the einpodinm trifid.

22. Empodia trifid. ..... Putoniella K..

23. Verticils of antennae curved and irregular; larva; zo-

ophagons Bremia Rond.

24. Verticils regular; all the claws bifid. Dicrodiplosis K

25. Verticils regnlar; hind claws not bifid; larvae mycophag-

ons Mycodiplosis R.

26. Claws simple, bent at right angles and dilated below

near extremity. . . . Octodiplosis Giard.
i.e.. Claws simple, bent or curved at right angles, but not en-
larged; empodia simple.

27. Three-jointed palpi; scales of wings elongated and nar-

rowed at base Endaphis K.

28. Second longitudinal vein terminates before the tip of the

wing; larvae zoophagous. . Arthrocnodax Rbs.
24. Palpi with a single jomt . Monarthropalpus R.

30. Palpi two-jointed, the first long and attenuated in the

middle Massalongia K.

31. Palpi with three joints; second joint of antennae with a

tooth Acrodiplosis K.

* I use this expression, not being certain whether or not the trifid
character is due to real pnlvilli. Kieffer simply begs the question by
the expression 'pelote unique,' 'pelotes trois'.

CECIDOMYDLE. I29

32. Palpi with three joints; em podia longer than claws.

Stenodiplosis Rent.

33. Palpi with four joints; empodia shorter than claws.

Contarinia R.

34. Costal vein not interrupted after its junction with third

longitudinal vein. . . . Thecodiplosis K.

35. Male antennas with swellings alternately simple and

double; ovipositor very long. Xylodiplosis K.

36. Ovipositor not longer than body; costal vein not inter-

rupted beyond third vein; empodia one-half the length
of claws Loewiola K.

37. First two joints of flagellum not fused; empodia nearly

as long as claws. . . . Macrodiplosis K.

38. Enlargements of male antennae irregular, alternately

double and single; empodia longer than claws; first two
joints of flagellum fused. . . Harmandia K.

39. Enlargements of male flagellum irregular, alternately

double and single; empodia shorter than claws; ovipos-
tor not prominent. . . . Olinodiplosis K.

40. Wings usually spotted; larvae zoophagous.

Lestodiplosis K.

41. Joints of male flagellum alternately single and double;

costal vein interrupted after junction with third vein;
empodia longer than claws. . . . Diplosis.
BBBB. Anterior cross-vein present and curved, apparently the begin-
ning of the third vein; the longitudinal always terminate at or
beyond the tip of the wing.

42. Three longitudinal veins, the first, third and fifth; an-

terior transverse not parallel with first vein.

Bryocrypta K.

43. Anterior cross-vein curved in form of an S (first joint of

the tarsi prolonged below at extremity) . Colpodia.

44. Anterior cross-vein not curved in form of an S; fifth

vein not furcate; palpi with two joints; claws bifid.

Colomyia K.

45. Palpi with four joints; claws simple; empodia simple.

Holoneurus K.

46. Fifth vein furcate. ..... Dirhiza.

47. Flagellar joints petiolate; fifth vein furcate. Epidosis.

48. Like Epidosis, abdomen slender. Camptomyia K.

49. Fifth vein furcate at base of wing; claws simple; empo-

dia simple Ruebsaamenia K.

50. Like Ruebsaamenia, abdomen not recurved; empodia

trifid, claws simple. . . - . Clinorhytis K.

51. As in Clinorhytis; antennae with more than fourteen

joints; empodia simple; claws bifid. Asynapta Lw.

52. Like preceding, claws bifid, empodia simple; antennae

with fourteen joints. . . . Winner tzia.

53. Neuration as in Clinorhytis, second vein arises near

base. Diallactes K.

14

130

NORTH AMERICAN DIITKRA.

IIKTKROPKZIN^:.

AA. 54. Two joints in the tarsi, the first shorter than the second;
no palpi; with two or three longitudinal veins.

Oligarces Mein.

55. Tarsi with three joints, the first longest; two longitudinal

veins Heteropeza.

56. Tarsi with four joints, first longer than second; three lon-

gitudinal veins; palpi with two joints. Miastor Mein.

57. Tarsi with five joints, first shorter than second; wings acu-

minate at extremity; palpi three-jointed; three longitud-
inal veins. ....... Pero Mein.

58. Like preceding, palpi twro-jointed, third longitudinal vein

evanescent before extremity. . . . Firenia K.

59. Like Firenia; palpi single jointed. . Leptosyna K.

60. Tarsi with five joints, the first longer than second; scales

of wings long and striated. . . Lasiopteryx W.

61. Like preceding, hut tarsi with four joints and neuration as

in Perrisia. Ledomyia K.

62. Like I. ctio in via, but first joint of tarsi shorter than second;

fifth vein simple. . . . Brachyneura Rond.

I.KSTKKMIX^.
AAA. First joint of tarsi longer than the second; fourth longitudinal
vein present.
H. Fourth vein simple; fifth furcate near its middle.

63. Flagellum in the male with twelve joints, , in the female

with nine; palpi with three or four joints; claws simple.

Joannisia K.

64. Male flagcllum with twelve, female with eleven, palpi with

two joints. Peromyia.

65. Claws denticulate; no empodia; antenna] joints long-petio-

late. ...... Wasmaniella K.

66. Claws as in Peromyia; palpi four-jointed; antenna? as in

Prionellus. Bryomiya K.

67. Claws denticilate; empodia large; flagellar joints of male

anteniue excentric. .... Prionellus.

68. Like Prionellus, but the claws not denticulate, and the

empodia short or rudimentary. . . Aprionus K.

69. Like Aprionus but the claws denticulated. Monardia K.

70. Antennae very short, composed of ten or eleven joints in

the male and from six to eight in the female; joints not
petiolate in either sex. . . . Micromyia R.

71. Antenna; with about twelve flagellar joints in the male,

from ten to twenty-three in the female. Campylomyza

VII. Family M YCETOPHILID^E.

Fig. 39. Sciara, sp. Enlarged. After Washburn.

Mostly small, delicate, slender flies, with more or less
elongated coxae. Head small, rounded or somewhat
elongate. Eyes round, somewhat prominent; ocelli two
or three in number, when only two, placed one on each
orbital margin; rarely apparently wholly wanting; when
three in number, placed transversely in the form of a
shallow triangle. Front broad in both sexes. Antennas
elongated, curved, twelve to seventeen-jointed, the two
basal joints differentiated, the remainder cylindrical, flat-
tened, or petiolated. Proboscis rarely elongated: palpi
three or four-jointed, usually inflected, the first joint
small ; occasionally absent. Thorax more or less, some-
times highly arched, without transverse suture; metano-
tum large; scutellum small. Abdomen elongated, com-
posed of six or seven segments, cylindrical or compressed,
sometimes narrowed at the base ; male genitalia project-
ing forceps-like; ovipositor pointed, usually with two
terminal lamellae. Legs more or less elongated, the coxae

131

132 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

more or less, sometimes much elongated; femora more
or less dilated, tibiae with spurs. Wings large (wanting
in the 9 of Epidapus)\ auxiliary vein present, though
sometimes rudimentary; second longitudinal vein want-
ing; the third vein arises from the first usually at such
an angle that its first section (to the anterior cross- vein)
has the appearance of a cross-vein; fourth vein always,
the third* and fifth either furcate or not; sixth vein never
furcate, sometimes rudimentary; seventh vein usually
short, often rudimentary or entirely wanting; discal and
posterior basal cells always wanting.

The family Myeetophilidae, commonly known as fun-
gus-gnats, comprises nearly a thousand described species
of small or minute flies, the best known of which are,
perhaps, the various dark-winged species of Sciara so
common about gardens. In the following description of
the immature stages I draw largely from Osten Sacken.

The larvae have a distinct horny head ; horny, flat, la-
melliform mandibles; maxillae with a large coriaceous
inner lobe and a horny outside piece, with a circular in-
cision at the tip, the labium small, horny, almost rudi-
mentary; the antennae are usually small or rudimentary,
the ocelli are either wanting or seen in a small pellucid
spot below each antenna. The body is subcylindrical,
more or less elongated, fleshy, whitish or yellowish, and
composed of twelve segments. It is smooth, without
hairs or bristles, except those on the ventral side. It is
generally transparent, showing distinctly the intestinal
canal and the trachea. There are eight pairs of stigmata,
one on the first segment, and seven on the first seven ab-
dominal segments, the last two having none. The loco-
motory organs consist of more or less apparent transverse

* I am of the opinion that the so-called anterior branch of the third
vein is in reality a vestige of the second vein.

MYCETOPHIUD.lv x ^

.swellings 011 the under side of the ventral segments, some-
times furnished with minute bristles or spines.

The larvae present some of the most singular habits
among all diptera. They are gregarious, and live in or
upon decaying matter. Most of the species seem to pre-
fer fungus or fungoid substances, whence comes the com-
mon name of fungus-gnats applied to the mature insect.
The larvae of Sciara are found among decaying leaves,
in vegetable mold, in cow-dung, under the bark of dead
trees, etc.; they often live in the soil of potted plants.
The larvae are said to moult several times before pupat-
ing. The larvae of many species spin delicate webs over
the surface of fungi, and on this web they live until ready
to pupate, when they spin a dense cocoon in sheltered
spots; others live within the decaying fungi. Perhaps
the strangest habits of all are those of species of Sciara,
which are even more gregarious than other members of
this family. They have the singular propensity of stick-
ing together in dense patches, and will form processions
sometimes twelve or fourteen feet in length, and two or
three inches broad. The phenomenon has been observed
frequently both in Europe and America, but the reason
therefor is not yet well understood, though the object of
migration seems to be the search for better feeding
grounds. Because of this habit, the name of 'army worm'
has been given to them. Yet more singular is the phos-
phorescent character of the larvae of some species. The
larvae, probably of Sciophila, were observed by Hudson
to be so luminous that 'the light of a single individual
kept in a caterpillar cage may be seen streaming out of
the ventilators at a distance of several feet.'

The pupae of Mycetophilidae are free, — that is they are
not contained within the larval skin, as is so commonly
the case with diptera. They are usually smooth, with
the legs applied to the breast and venter, the antennae

134

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

Fig. 40. Mycetophilidae. 1, Manota defecta; 2, Probolczus singu-
lar is, head; 3, Proboltzus singular is, wing; 4, Macrocera concinna,
wiug; 5, Ceroplatus longimanus, wing; 6, Sciara zygoneura, wing;
7, Sciara americana, wing; <s, Sciara, sp., antenna; 9. Platyura ig-
nobilis, wing; to, Sciophi/a dilnla, wing; 11, Neoempheria maculi-
pennis, wing; 12, Phthinia frauduleftta, wing; 13, Neoglaphyropiera
nitens, wing; 14, P/esiaslina, sp., wing; 15, Mycetophila insipiens,
wing; 16, Tetragoneura sylvatica, wing (Wulp); 17, Dynatosoma fus-
cicornis, wing (Wulp).

bent around the eyes, and their remaining portion ap-
plied to the breast between the wings and the legs. The
pupae of not a few are enclosed in a cocoon of more or

MYCETOPHIUD^E. I35

less density, spun by the larvae; others enclose them-
selves in earthy cases.

The study of the mature insect requires some care.
Usually a compound microscope is necessary for the de-
tection of many characters, especially of the more minute
species, and generally, when there is doubt of the iden-
tity, it is best to mount the whole insect or the most im-
portant parts under a cover glass.

In America, as elsewhere, but little study has been
given to this family, and hence there are doubtless not
a few genera that have hitherto escaped detection. The
following table has been for the most part compiled from
V. d. Wulp, Winnertz and Schiner, and compared with
representatives of nearly all the genera.

TABLE OF GENERA,
i. Coxae moderately long; anterior cross-vein in the same right line
with the second section of the third vein; the fifth vein forked

near base of wing Sciarinae.

Coxae much elongated; anterior cross-vein distinctly angulated
from the second section of the third vein. ... 2

2. Only the distal part of the forks of the fourth vein visible. . 3
Fourth vein visible in its whole extent, the anterior fork rarely in-
complete proxitnally. ........ 4

3. Probosois short; palpi three-jointed; ocelli distinct (1). Manota.
Proboscis much elongated; no palpi; ocelli indistinct or absent

(2,3) Probolaeus.

4. Origin of fourth vein from the fifth, near base of wing; sixth vein

more or less indistinct. ....... 5

Origin of fourth vein opposite or beyond the origin of the third;
sixth vein usually distinct. ...... 6

5. Third longitudinal vein furcate, its anterior branch* usually so near

its origin and so transverse in position that it resembles a super-
numerary cross-vein; three ocelli present. Sciophilinae.
Third longitudinal vein not furcate. . . Mycetophilinae.

* In reality the second longitudinal vein.

i36

NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

6. Third longitudinal vein not furcate. . . Diadocidia.
Third longitudinal vein furcate. 7

7. Anterior branch of third vein long, terminating in the costa.

Mycetobiinae.
Anterior branch of the third vein short, more transverse, usually

ending in the first vein. ....... S

8. The praefurca of the fourth vein arises from the third vein beyond

the anterior cross-vein, i. e. the cross-vein is really wanting and

the third and fourth veins are coalescent for a short distance. 9

The fourth vein continuous in nearly the same line from the fork

to its origin from the fifth; cross-vein distinct. Bolitophila.

9. Antennae short and thick-set, often flattened. . Ceroplatinae.
Antennae exceedingly long and slender, longer than the body (4).

Macrocera.

SCIOPHILINi^.

1. Anterior cross-vein more than twice the length of the basal section

of the third vein., forming apparently the beginning of the

third vein (16) Tetragoneura.

Anterior cross-vein shorter or but little longer than the first sec-
tion of the third vein, and forming a distinct angle with the
second section. ......... 2

2. The costal vein terminates at the tip of the third vein (10).

Sciophila.

The costal vein continues a short distance beyond the tip of the

third vein 3

3. Fork of the fourth vein short petiolate, the prefurca shtrter than

the anterior cross-vein. . Lasiosoma.

Prefurca of fourth vein much longer than the anterior cross-vein. 4

4. Proximal end of the posterior furcation (fifth vein) before or op-

posite the anterior cross-vein (11) . . . Neoempheria.
Proximal end of the posterior furcation beyond the anterior cross-
vein. . . Polylepta.

MYCKTOKIIN/E.
1. Auxiliary vein complete; the anterior branch of the third vein arises
at a point where the third vein and the anterior cross-vein unite.

Mycetobia.
Auxiliary vein rudimentary, not terminating in the costa; furca-
tion of third vein petiolate. 2

MYCETOrHlUD.^.

137

2. Furcation of third vein more proximad than that of the fourth.

Ditomyia.
Furcation of fourth vein more proximad than that of the third (14)

Plesiastina.
CEROPI.ATIN^.

1. Face and proboscis prolonged, snout-like. . Asindulum.
Face and proboscis not produced. ...... 2

2. Antennae shorter than the head and thorax, flattened; palpi short

(5) Ceroplatus.

Antennae nioie elongate, cylindrical; palpi mrdtrattly long (9).

Platyura.
MYCETOPHILINiE.

1. Three ocelli present. ........ 4

Two ocelli, one situated near the margin of each eye. . . 2

2. The costal vein is continued beyond the tip of the third vein.

Eudicrana.
The costal vein reaches only to the tip of the third vein. . 3

3. Auxiliary vein vestigial, projecting only a short distance beyond

the humeral cross-vein; furcations of fourth and fifth veins near-
ly opposite each other (15) . . . . Mycetophila.
Auxiliary vein complete, longer than the humeral cross vein; end-
ing in first vein (17) Dynatosoma.

4. Auxiliary vein complete, terminating in the costa. . . 5
Auxiliary vein not terminating in the costa, rudimentary or ter-
minating in the first vein. ....... 12

5. Proboscis much elongated Gnoriste.

Proboscis short. ......... 6

6. Auxiliary vein connected by a small cross-vein with the first longi-

tudinal. .......... 7

Auxiliary vein not connected by a cross-vein with the first longi-
tudinal. Leia.

7. Fifth vein furcate. ......... 8

Fifth vein simple, not furcate. .... Acnemia.

8. Origin of the third vein perceptibly past the middle of the wing,

the anterior cross-vein longer than the distal section of the first

vein (13) Neoglaphyroptera.

Origin of the third vein distinctly before the middle of the wing,
the anterior cross-vein much shorter than the distal section of
the first vein. ......... 9

(3g NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

9. Upper branch of the fork of the fourth vein incomplete at the

base; third vein sinuous (Odonlofioda) . . . Anaclinia.

Fork of fourth vein complete; third vein not markedly sinuous. 10

10. Furcation of the fifth vein before or opposite the furcation of the

fourth. .......... 1 1

Furcation of the fifth vein distinctly more distal than that of the
fourth (12) Phthinia.

11. The costal vein continues beyond the tip of the third vein; abdo-

men cylindrical Boletina.

The costal vein terminates at the tip of the third vein; abdomen
compressed Leptomorphus

12. Auxiliary vein elongated, terminating angularly in the first vein,

near the origin of the third Syntemra.

Auxiliary vein vestigial or ending acutely in the first vein before
the origin of the third. ....... 13

13. Fifth longitudinal vein not furcate . . . Zygomyia.
Fifth longitudinal vein furcate. ...... 14

14. The costal vein extends a little beyond the termination of the

third vein. .......... 15

The costal vein terminates at the tip of the third vein. . 17

15. Forked cell of the fifth vein acute proximally, the branches grad-

ually and but little divergent Epicypta.

Forked cell of fifth vein less acute proximally, the branches more
widely and rapidly divergent, the upper branch curved. 16

16. Auxiliary vein of considerable length, terminating in the first vein.

Docosia.
Auxiliary vein short, ending free a little beyond the humeral cross-
vein Phronia.

17. Auxiliary vein reaching beyond middle of first basal cell, and ter-

minating in first vein. ..... Trichonta.

Auxiliary vein vestigial, or not reaching as far as the middle of the
first basal cell. ......... 18

iS. Furcation of the fourth vein before the first section of the third

vein 19

Furcation of fourth vein beyond the first section of the third
vein. ........... 20

MYCETOPHILID^;. 139

19. Furcation of fifth vein more distal than that of the fourth.

Exechia.
Furcation of the fourth vein more distal than that of the fifth.

Rhymosia.

20. Furcation of the fifth vein more distal than the junction of the

fourth with the anterior cross-\ein. ..... 21

Furcation of the fifth vein more proximal than the junction of the
fourth with anterior cross-vein. . . Brachycampta.

21. Furcation of fifth vein more distal than that of the fourth.

Mycothera.
Furcation of fourth vein more distal than that of the fifth.

Allodia.

SCIARINyE.
1. Wings and halteres wholly wanting. . . Epidapus ?.
Wings and halteres as usual 2

2.' The fourth vein springs from the third at an angle, i. e. the anterior

cross-vein is obsolete. . , . . . Epidapus $ .

Anterior cross-vein not obsolete. ...... 3

3. Proboscis much elongated, longer than the thorax. Eugnoriste.
Proboscis short. ......... 4

4. Wings very distinctly hairy; claws not denticulate. Trichosia.
Wings bare or slightly hairy. ....... 5

5. Antennal joints of male pedicillate and with whorls of hair; forks

of fourth vein arcuate Zygoneura.

Antennal joints not pedicillated, bare or with short hairs. . 6

6. Claws denticulate Odontonyx.

Claws not denticulate. ........ 7

7. Face strongly produced Rhynchosciara.

Face not produced. ........ Sciara.

Additional Generic References.

Odontonyx Ruebsaamen, Berlin. Ent. Zeit. xxxix, 25, 1894.
Mexico.
Rhynchosciara Ruebsaamen, 1. c. Mexico.

VIII. Family BIBIONIDjE.

Fig. 41. Bibio albipennis, enlarged. After Washburn.

Moderately or very slender flies, of from one to twelve
millimeters in length. Head usually somewhat flattened;
front in the male usually very narrow or the eyes con-
tiguous; face short; eyes round or reniform; ocelli large,
distinct ( 'absent in Hesperodes '). Antennae composed of
from eight to sixteen joints, cylindrical or a little flat-
tened, rarely longer than head and thorax, the joints
usually closely united. Proboscis never much elongated,
with thickened, hairy labella; palpi variable, three to
five-jointed, sometimes long, at other times short. Tho-
rax without suture; scutellum half round. Abdomen
composed of from seven to nine segments, sometimes
elongated. Legs moderately long and strong, the hind
pair more or less elongated, the front femora often thick-
ened ; front tibia often with a stout hook or coronet of
spines at the tip ; pulvilli and empodium usually distinct,
but the former in many of the smaller forms wanting.
Wings large, the anterior veins often stouter than the pos-
terior ones ; costa not extending on the posterior margin ;

l.Jlr

bibionim;. I4I

second longitudinal vein wanting, the third arising from
the first; third vein sometimes furcate;* fourth usually
furcate; first basal and often the second basal cells com-
plete; anal cell rarely closed; posterior cross-vein always
wanting.

The relationships of this small family of nematocerous
flies are very close with the Mycetophilidae through the
Pachyneurinse and Scatopsinae; indeed there is greater
difference between some genera included in the family
than between the families themselves. One of these
annectant genera is Hesperodes described a few years ago
by Coquillett. Because of the presence of a distinct sec-
ond basal cell, and the resemblance of its venation to
Hesperinus, it would seem better placed here than among
the Mycetophilidae, where its author placed it. A glance,
however, at the different types of venation in the figures
will show how composite a group the family is, as at
present recognized.

Such larvae as are known are cylindrical, footless, with
transverse rows of bristles, usually with eyes; they feed
upon excrementitious or vegetable substances, especially
on the roots of grass. The pupae are inactive, for the
most part free, living in excavated, smooth oval cavities
near the surface of the ground, which the larvae have
prepared before undergoing their metamophosis, and
where the pupae remain before emerging in the perfect
state.

In some species the male flies differ very noticeably in
coloration from the females, so much so that they are
commonly mistaken for different species. Some of the
species, especially Bibio albipen?iis, are very abundant in
early spring, in meadows, about willows, upon the win-

* The anterior branch is in reality the second vein.
15

142

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

dows, etc. They are all rather sluggish in flight, and
the males are conspicuous because of the very large and
hairy eyes. Some of the species of Scatopsc are very
minute, among the smallest of all diptera. But very lit-
tle has been done in the way of critical study of the gen-
era and species of this family; it is an excellent field for
research.

Figj 42. Bibionidae. 1, P/ecia, wing; 2. 3, P/ecia, antenna;; 4,
Bibio, wing; 5. Btbio, palpus; 6, Btbio, antenna;; 7, Scatopse, wing;
8, Aspistes, wing (Wuip); 7, bis. Scatopse, winy; 7a, Scatopse, last

tarsal joint with claws and empodium ; S, bis, Scatopse, winy; 8a,

Scatopse, head.

TABLE Ob' OKNERA.

1. Second basal cell present. ........ 2

Second basal cell wanting (Scatopsince) . ..... 7

2. Third longitudinal vein furcate. ...... 3

Third vein not furcate 5

3. Palpi four-jointed; antenna* slender, more than ten-jointed; slen-

der species {Pachyneuritue) 4

Palpi five-jointed; antenna; eight or nine-jointed; less slender spe-
cies (1, 2, 3i Plecia,

bibionim:. I43

4. Antennse twelve-jointed; anterior cross-vein distinct.

Hesperinus.
Antennae sixteen-jointed; anterior cross-vein obsolete, that is the
third and fourth veins are coalescent for a short distance.

Hesperodes.

5. Front tibiae with a stout spine-like process at tip, ... 6
Front tibiae with a coronet of spines; antennae ten or eleven-jointed.

Dilophus.

6. Anterior cross-vein distinct; antennae ten-jointed (4, 5, 6) .

Bibio.
Anterior cross-vein obsolete; antennae ten-jointed (?) . Bibiodes.

7. Front tibiae ending in a spine-like process; antennae twelve-jointed.

(8) Aspistes.

Front tibiae of the usual structure; antennae nine or ten-jointed (7,
7 bis. 7a, 8 bis, 8a) Scatopse) .

IX. Family SIMULIIDjE.

Fig. 43. Simulium venustum; enlarged. After Washburn.

Small flies, from one to six millimeters in length, with
thick, short legs. Head hemispherical; face short;
eyes round or reniform, holoptic in the male; no ocelli.
Antennae scarcely longer than the head, flattened or cyl-
indrical, ten-jointed; the two basal joints differentiated,
the others closely united. Proboscis not elongated, with
small, horny labella ; palpi incurvate, four-jointed; the

144

SIMUUIMv

145

first joint short and the two following of equal length; the
last one longer and more slender than the preceding.
Thorax arched, without suture; the scutellum small. Ab-
domen cylindrical, composed of seven or eight segments;
genitalia concealed; legs strong and not elongated; fe-
mora broad and flat; tibiae usually with terminal spurs;
first joint of the tarsi longer than the following and usu-
ally dilated in the male; the last joint small. Wings
large and broad, with distinct alulae, anterior veins thick-
ened, the others slender; auxiliary vein terminating in
the costa about the middle of the wing; second longi-
tudinal vein wanting, the first and third lying close to
each other; the third arising from the first rectangularly
before the end of the auxiliary vein ; anterior cross-vein
very short; fourth vein curved, forked nearly opposite
the anterior cross-vein; the forks terminating near the
tip of the wing.

Fig. 44. Simulium venusium, enlarged. After Washburn.

i.|f>

NORTH AMKRICAN DIPTERA.

The family Simuliidae, comprising about seventy-five
described species, is one of the best known popularly
among diptera, on account of the troublesome character
of the flies, which are scarcely less annoying than the
true mosquitoes; they rarely exceed five or six mm. in
length, usually not more than three or four, and will be
immediately distinguished from the mosquitoes by their
thick-set appearance, their shorter legs, their shorter
proboscis, and less slender antennae. In the southern
States they are known as ' buffalo gnats' and 'turkey
gnats', and sometimes occur in almost incredible num-
bers; cattle when attacked by large numbers are driven
almost frantic, and will seek to evade them by rolling in
the dust, rushing about, or going into the water. When
the flies are numerous they will almost literally cover the
cattle, especially seeking the openings of the body, en-
tering the nostrils and the ears, the margins of the eyes,
where they will actually lie piled upon each other. When
very numerous they will produce an inflammatory fever,
frequently terminating in death. Infants have been
known to succumb to their bites. The well known Euro-
pean species is S. columbaczense, which during some sea-
sons in the regions of the Danube costs the death of many
cattle.

The -Jarvae are very interesting creatures; they are
aquatic, living most frequently in mountain streams, on
stems of plants, or stones, where they form for themselves
elongated cocoons, opened above. In the open end of
these cocoons the pupae ensconce themselves with the an-
terior part of the body naked and free, from which ex-
tend eight or sixteen very long, slender, threadlike
breathing tubes. The perfect insect escapes under water
and comes to the surface. The larvae are soft-skinned,
thickened at the extremities, with a cylindrical head,
two pairs of eye-spots ; on the first thoracic segment there

SIMULIID^.

147

is a foot protuberance with bristly hooklets ; and the end
of the abdomen has several appendages for attachment.

Fig. 45. Simuliidae. Simulium, wing; ia, Simulium, front tarsus;

2, genus nov., wing; 2a, id. head, front view; 2b, id. head, side view;

3, Simulium, antenna.

But a single genus, Simulium, has hitherto been known
in this family. What seems to be a distinct genus has
long been known to me in a single imperfect specimen
from the West Indies. The form will, I hope, be recog-
nizable from the accompanying illustrations made by me
many years since. (2, 2a, 2b). The specimen is exceed-
ingly minute, and was discovered closely applied to and
sucking the juices from the antenna of a phasmid. The
antennae and palpi are mostly wanting in the specimen.

X. Family ULKPHAROCERIDiE.

BY PROF. V. I.. KELLOGG.

Fig. 46. Bibiocephala elegantula, enlarged. After Kellogg.

Moderate-sized, elongate, bare species with long legs
and broad wings. Eyes usually diehoptie in both sexes,
but occasionally holoptic in one or both sexes ; eyes of
both sexes usually bisected by a line or narrow unfacet-
ted space, with the two fields composed of larger and
smaller ommatidia (indicated by larger and smaller cor-
neal facts), in a few species the eyes bisected only in one

14s

BLEPHAROCERID^E. I49

sex. Three ocelli present. Antennae slender with from
nine to fifteen segments, clothed with short pubescence.
Mouth-parts elongate, females with slender, flattened,
elongate, saw-like mandibles, males without mandibles;
both sexes with slender elongate labrum-epipharynx,
hypopharynx, and a pair of maxillae with five-segmented
palpi; labium with a strong, elongate basal sclerite and
a pair or free, fleshy terminal lobes without pseudo-tra-
cheae, and with no palpi. Thorax with a distinct, broad-
ly interrupted transverse suture; legs moderately slender,
the hind pair much longer than the anterior ones, the
front femora of males curved in some species, tibiae with
or without spurs; empodia very small, almost rudimen-
tary, pulvilli wanting; wings broad, bare, with a mark-
edly projecting anal angle, and peculiarly different from
these of all other flies in the possession of a fine spider-
web like net-work of lines ('secondary venation') which
are the creases made by the folding of the wings in the
pupal stage.

The larvae are curious, flattened, slug-like creatures,
legless, but provided with six suckers arranged in a me-
dial longitudinal row on the venter (one sucker for each
of the six parts separated by constrictions of the body,
of which the anterior part is composed of the fused head
and thoracic segments, and the posterior part of the
fused last two abdominal segments, the other four
parts representing each a single abdominal segment).
The larvae live in swiftly running, shallow, clear and
highly aerated water (mountain brooks) clinging by the
suckers to the smooth surface of boulders or the rock bed
of the stream. The pupae are even more extraordinarily
shaped, being flat below and flatly convex above with
strongly chitinized, dorsal body-wall smooth and shining
black or blackish brown, with a pair of projecting pro-
thoracic dorsal respiratory horns or 'books', each com-

J50

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

posed cf four flattened leaves, two of them delicate
tracheal gills and the other two protecting chitinized
plates. The pupae are fastened by three pairs of pads on
the flat venter to the rock-bed or boulders in the swift
stream and are nonmobile.

The delicate adults are to be found, usually only rare-
ly, despite the oft-time abundance of larvae and pupae,
clinging to rocks projecting from the stream or to stream-
side cliffs or foliage. The females are predaceous and
may be seen flitting about capturing small flies, especial-
ly Chirouomidae, which they lacerate with their saw-like
mandibles and knife-like maxillae in order to suck or lap
up the blood. The males are rarely found. A few spe-
cies are known as yet only in the larval and pupal stages.
The egg-laying habits are unknown.

The family Blepharoceridae was established by Loew
in i860 to include a half dozen species, which could not
well be located in any of the existing families. Since
that time the number in the family has been increased to
about twenty known forms included in nine genera, of
which three genera, represented by eight species, are
found in the United States. Our species are recorded

Fig. 47. Blepharoceridae. 1, Blepharocera, wing, showing second-
are venation (Comstock); 2. Paltosioma schineri, wing; 3, Phttorus,
wing (Kellogg); 4, Bibiocephata, wing (Kellogg).

BLEPHAROCERID.E- I5I

from Canada, New York, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho,
Utah and California. The foreign species are found in
Europe, Asia, South America and certain Mediterranean
islands.

The family is readily divisible into two groups, of
which one, characterized by the absence in its members
of a short, incomplete vein near the posterior margin of
the wing, includes six genera, nearly all of which are
represented by a single species^ and none of them occur-
ring in North America, north of Mexico. The remaining
known species are grouped according to the latest revis-
ion of the family (Kellogg, 1903) into three genera rep-
resented in Europe by about six species and in America

by eight.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. No incomplete vein running into hind border of the wing [Apisto-

myia, Corsica; Hammatorhina, Ceylon; Kelloggina, Brazil;
Curupira, Brazil; Hapalothrix, Europe). Proboscis: elongated;
hind tibiae with spurs; eyes entire, not bisected (2) .

Paltostoma.
An incomplete vein near the posterior margin of the wing. . 2

2. Second longitudinal vein with an anterior branch; a cross-vein con-

necting the fourth and fifth veins, that is, the second basal cell
complete. Anterior branch of second vein and the second and
third veins all separating at a common point or close together

(4) Bibiocephala.

Second longitudinal vein simple, without branch. ... 3

3. No cross-vein connecting the fourth and fifth veins, that is, the

second basal cell incomplete (1). . . Blepharocera.

A cross-vein connecting the fourth and fifth veins, the second basal

cell complete (3) Philorus.

TABLES OF SPECIES.

BLEPHAROCERA.

1 . Eyes of female contiguous, of male separated by broad space; length

not over six millimeters. .... ostensackeni.

Eyes of both sexes separated by a narrow space; length not less

than seven mfllimeters. ...,.". 2

152 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

2. Ungues slender and rather long tenuipes.

Ungues stout and shorter. jordani.

BIBIOCE1 HA LA.
i. Eyes contiguous; anterior branch of second vein running into \ ein
near margin of wing; eyes bisected; front femora of male

strongly curved grandis.

Eyes separated by a narrow or broad space, in lxith males and fe-
males; fore femora of male straight. ..... 2

2. Eyes in lx>th sexes bisected. ....... 3

Eyes of male bisected, of female not bisected; anterior branch of

second vein running into the first very soon, making a triangle
in which the anterior branch forms the shorter side. doanei.

3. Eyes of male separated widely; of female narrowly; anterior branch

of second vein running into first vein very soon, forming a

nearly equilateral triangle elegantula.

Eyes of both male and female separated narrowly; anterior branch
of second vein running into first alxnit one-third the distance
from origin of second to tip of first vein. . comstocki.

PHILORUS.
Philorus is represented by but two known species in America, viz:
yosetnite and anci/ia, and by one species in Europe, bi/obala Loew; of
the two American forms, P. ancilla has the eyes contiguous (in the
female at least) , while the eyes of P. yoscmitc are separated by a broad
front (in the male at least).

PALTOSTOMA.
Paltostoma is known by a single described species from the West
Indies, and another from Brazil; one or the other or possibly a third
is known also from Central America. P. schineri will be recognized
from the generic characters and the figure.

XI. Family ORPHNEPHILID^.

Small, obscurely reddish yellow, bare flies of peculiar
appearance. Head small, round; holoptic in both sexes;
ocelli wanting; proboscis short; palpi longer than the
antennae, five-jointed, the first joint short, the second the
thickest; antennae situated near the oral margin, appar-
ently consisting of a small first joint, an oval second
joint and a terminal arista; the second joint and the arista
are, however, complex, composed of ten or eleven seg-
ments, the last of which terminates in a bristle. Thorax
strongly convex, robust, without transverse suture, some-
what impressed before the scu^ellum. Scutellum rather
large, obtusely three cornered; metanotum arched. Ab-
domen narrower than the thorax, cylindrical, composed
of seven segments; male genitalia thick, the basal piece
swollen, bladder-like ; ovipositor with broad, rounded
lamellae. Legs simple, comparatively short ; coxae not
elongated; tibiae without spurs; tarsi moderately long ;
the front pair about as long as the tibiae, the penultimate
joint short; claws small; empodia vestigial. Wings

Fig. 48. Wing of Orphnephtla, .0 ^

longer than the abdomen; auxiliary vein short, ^rr>^& *,
ating in the costa ; second longitudinal vei^sin^ousj^

1161 I5-; j^J^W"'

I54 north amp:rican diptera.

third and fourth veins not furcate; anal angle rounded;
basal cell short.

But three or four species of this singular family are
known, and of them even, as far as I am aware, the larval
habits are yet unknown. The known American species
belong to one genus, Orphnephila Haliday; a second
genus has been proposed by Mik. The small fly is found
on the banks of streams.

XII. Family RHYPHID^.

Head nearly hemispherical; eyes rounded, holoptic or
diehoptic in the male; broadly separated by the front in
the female; ocelli present. Antennas about as long as
the thorax, composed of sixteen joints, cylindrical, the
two basal joints distinctly differentiated; those of the
flagellum closely united, short-haired, gradually decreas-
ing in size toward the end. Proboscis moderately prom-
inent, with small labella ; palpi long, four-jointed; the
second joint longer and broader than the others. Thorax
convex, without transverse suture; scutellum semicircu-
lar, short and broad; metanotum strongly developed.
Abdomen flattened cylindrical, composed of seven seg-
ments; genitalia concealed or nearly so. Legs slender,
without spines; the coxae, especially the front pair, more
or less elongated; metatarsi elongated; tibiae with or
without spurs; empcdia pad-like, the pulvilli absent.
Wings large, in rest lying flat upon the abdomen; aux-
iliary vein present; second and third veins not furcate;

Fig. 49. A' hyp h us.

Fig. 50. Olbiogaster.

discal cell complete (fig. 49^); five posterior cells and
two complete basal cells present; anal cell not narrowed
in the margin.

But very few species of this family are known, belong-
ing to but three genera. The typical genus Rhyphus con-

155

156 NORTH AMERICAN DIl'TKRA.

tains a number of species of wide distribution. The
genus Olbiogaster is known from two or three species
hitherto recorded only from Mexico and the West Indies.
' It differs from Rhyphus in the structure of the head (eyes
separated by a broad front in both sexes, and occiput but
very little developed), of the antennae (scapus short, fla-
gellum of male filiform, etc.), of the thorax and abdo-
men, as also in the venation.' (Osten Sacken.)

The larvae of Rhyphus are worm-like, legless, naked,
more or less transparent, with snake-like movements;
there are two, short, fleshy points at the posterior end.
The pupae are free, inactive, with two projections ante-
riorly; they live in water of brooks, pools or puddles, or
in rotting wood, hollow trees, or manure.

XIII. Family LEPTID^E.

Fig. 51. Leptis mystacea, enlarged. After Washburn.

Species of moderate or large size, more or less elonga-
ted, usually thinly pilose or nearly bare, without distinct
bristles. Males holoptic or dichoptic. Empodium de-
veloped pulvilliform*, the pulvilli present (figure 14).
Squamae small or rudimentary. Antennae very variable:
(i) the flagellar joints distinct, as many as thirty in
number (20); (2) the segments not more than eight in
number, more closely applied, without style or arista
(13); (3) fewer in number, with a differentiated, seg-

* Hilarimorpha, (1, 2), which is included in this family by most
writers, has vestigial empodia and no discal cell. The tibial spurs, also,

are very small.

157

•

l58 NORTH AMERICAN DIITERA.

mented style or arista, altogether not more than eight
(19); '4) the third joint simple, with or without a ter-
minal or dorsal arista (7, 9). Veins of the wings distinct,
not crowded anteriorly; third longitudinal vein furcate;
basal cells large; five posterior cells usually present.

As defined above, this family includes the Xylophagi-
dae, Leptidse and Coenomyidae of authors. It may be a
question whether this union is justifiable, but, on the
whole, it seems that the sole character which can be used
to distinguish the families — the structure of the third
antennal joint — divides the group unnaturally, throwing
with the Xylophagidae forms whose affinities are great-
est with the Leptidae, notwithstanding the antennal char-
acter.

The Xylcphagir.oe include less than one hundred
known forms, and many of them are remarkable for their
general resemblance to certain hymenopterous insects.
Species of Rhachicerus form a connecting link with the
Nemocera, and are apt to be confounded with the Rhyph-
idae, but the presence of the pulvilli will distinguish
them.

The larvae are found in decaying wood or under the
bark of trees and are carnivorous and predaceous, feed-
ing upon the larvae of beetles and other wood insects.
The skin is parchment-like, the body cylindrical. The
mouth-parts and antennae are very small, the maxillae
short and hook-like. The first cr the first three segments
back of the head are chitinized above: the last segment
above with a chitinized plate terminating posteriorly in
two hooks. The fourth to the ninth segments have bristly
pseudopods below. The pupae are free. I„arvae of Xylo-
myia have been observed under the bark of fallen cotton-
wood trees.

The Leptinae comprise something over two hundred
known species. They are usually of moderate size and

LEPTID/E.

159

not very active in their habits. The larger species are
commonly found in meadows and woodlands, resting
upon stems or trunks of trees with their head downward.

Fig. 52. Ccenomyia ferruginea, female; enlarged.

They are sometimes predaceous upon other insects, and
the species of Symphoromyia have a habit of sucking
blood as do the horseflies. The larvae are predaceous,
living in the earth, in decaying wood or in passages
made by woodboring beetles. Others live in moss, in
sand or in water. In general they are cylindrical, with
or without fleshy abdominal legs. The last segment has
a transverse cleft, the portion above which is provided
with two, often backward-bent points or processes; the
under part is obtuse, with the two stigmata between them.

i6o

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TERA.

The eggs of Atherix are deposited in dense masses at-
tached to dry branches overhanging water. Not only do
numerous females contribute to the formation of these
masses, but they remain there themselves and die. The
larvae hatching, escape into the water. The flies of spe-
cies of I rermileo deposit their eggs in sand, and the larva;
form conical pitfalls in which to ensnare small insects.
The tenth segment of these larvae bears above at its tip a
transverse row of long booklets directed backward, but
with the hooks bent forward; the eleventh segment has
a similar row directed forward, the hooks of which are

**v*wm:m£

Pig« 53- Leptidae. [, Hilarimorpha, wing; i,Hilarimorpha,axi-
tenna; 3, Coenomyia, wing; 4, Coenomyia, antenna; 5, Pheneus,
antenna; 6. Chrysopila, wing; 7, Chrysopila, antenna; s, Symphoro-
myia, head; 9, Atherix, antenna; 10, Ptiolina, antenna (Becker);
1 l,Spania, antenna (Becker); 12, Xylophagus, wing; 13, Xylophagus,
antenna; 14, Dialysis, tarsus; 15, Dialysis, antenna; 16, Glutops (type)
antenna (Burgess); 17, Xylomyia, antenna.

leptim:.

161

turned backward. On the fifth segment below there is a
simple unpaired grasping foot which is capable of being
protruded forward and downward; at its tip there are
two triangular, sharp, flat, chitinous hooks, and below
them some stiff bristles. The hooklets serve as aids in
boring in the sand and to fix themselves; the organ on
the fifth segment assists the larva in seizing and holding
its prey, and also in constructing the pitfalls.

2.™AZ../|5tt. .wuxi<li"t*y

Fig. 54. Leptidse. 18, Arthroceras (type) , wing; 19, Arthroceras

(type), antenna; 20, Rhachicerus, head; 21, Atherix, venation.

!62 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

TABLE OF GENERA.

i. Flagellum of antennae composed of numerous, more or less distinct
divisions; the antennae more or less elongated; five posterior
cells present in all cases. ....... 2

Antennae short, or hut little elongated, the third joint simple, with
a terminal or dorsal arista or terminal style; face small, usually
excavated; proboscis short; some or all the tibiae spurred \J.rp-
i i ii(f). 8

2. All the tibiae with spurs [Xylophaj^incs). .... 3
Front tibiae without spurs {Arthroceratincz) . ... 6

XYLOPHAGINiE.

3. All four posterior veins (i. e. the veins separating the posterior

cells) arise from the discal cell; head small, scutellum with two
Spinous protuberances (< 'iriioiiiyin(f) (fiig. 52, 3,4).

Ccenomyia.
The last posterior vein arises from the second basal cell, the fifth '
posterior cell hence not at all contiguous with the discal cell;
scutellum without spines. . . . . . . ' . 4

4. Flagellum of antennae acute at tip, eight-jointed; tibial spurs 1:2:2.

Arthropeas.
Flagellum of antennae not acute at tip. ..... 5

5. Fourth ]x)sterior cell closed; flagellum of antennae much elongated,

composed of numerous (twenty thirty 1 distinct divisions, oiten
pectinate; eyes emarginate near the antennae (23) 1 Rhachice-

rince Rhachicerus.

Fourth posterior cell open; flagellum composed of eight segments,
less distinctly separated and never pectinate (12, 13).

Xylophagus.

ARTHROCERATINJg.

6. Fourth posterior cell open, ....... 7

Fourth posterior cell closed (17, and 7, 8 Stratiomyid.ee) .

Xylomyia.

7. Face projecting on each side in a rounded, subcorneal protuberance,

thickly covered with hair (16) Glutops.

Face with two, deep, diverging furrows, running from base of an-
tennae to oral margin (18,19), . Arthroceras.

LUPTIDJE. ie3

LEPTIN^E.

8. Front tibiae without terminal spurs. ..... 10

Front tibiae with a single terminal spur; hind tibiae with two. 9
Front tibiae with two terminal spurs; hind tibiae with two.

Triptotricha.

9. Antennal style slender and jointed; fourth posterior cell closed (5) .

Pheneus.
Terminal arista not jointed; fourth posterior cell sometimes want-
ing (14,15). Dialysis.

10. Discal cell wanting; four posterior cells only (1, 2) .

Hilarimorpha.
Discal cell present; five posterior cells. . . . . 11

11. Third joint of the antennae round, oval or pointed. . . 13
Third joint of the antennae kidney-shaped, with a dorsal or sub-
dorsal arista. ......... 12

12. Hind tibiae with a single spur; anal cell open; first antennal joint

elongate and thickened (8) . . . . Symphoromyia.

Hind tibiae with two spurs; anal cell closed; first antennal joint

not elongate and thickened (9, 21) .... Atherix.

13. Hind tibiae with two spurs; anal cell open (fig. 51). Leptis.
Hind tibiae with a single spur; anal cell closed. ... 14

.14. Third antennal joint onion-shaped or conical, with a slender, arcu-
ate, terminal bristle (6, 7) Chrysopila.

Third antennal joint elongate; not with a slender terminal
bristle. 15

15. Third antennal joint with a short terminal style (10). Ptiolina.
Third antennal joint emarginate above, pointed, without style (11) .

Spania.

Bolbomyia. 'More or less related to Rupellia, and may be placed
among the Xylophagidae, its somewhat aberrant venation notwith-
standing. Characteristic is the shape of the antennae; the third joint
consists of four or five divisions, the first of which is much larger and
swollen'. L,oew. B. nana, District of Columbia. Length about three
millimeters. This species has not been recognized since its descrip-
tion, nor the genus. Possibly it belongs to the Therevidae.

XIV. Family STRATIOMYIIXdS.

Small to moderately large, nearly bare or thinly pilose,
bristleless species. Head short, hemispherical or flat-
tened, as broad as the thorax. Ocelli present. Eyes
contiguous or separated by the front in the male. Anten-
nae porrect, approximated at the base, three-jointed, the
third joint always complex, usually with a terminal style
or an arista. Proboscis never elongated; palpi two-joint-
ed, sometimes rudimentary. Thorax never strongly con-
vex; scutellum often with tubercles, spines or projections
on its margin, perhaps more exaggerated here than
among any other group of flies (see fig. 65,36). Abdomen
composed of from five to seven segments, usually flat-
tened, often elongated. Legs never thickly pilose: with-
out bristles, the tibiae without spurs*; pulvilli and empo-
dia pad-like. The costal vein does not reach beyond tip
of the wing; veins often crowded anteriorly, and those
posteriorly weak: discal cell present; four or five poste-
rior cells, and one or two submarginal cells present, the
anterior branch of the third vein short and often indistinct
or wanting.

The family Stratiomyidae is one of considerable size,
including about a thousand known species. The flies
are invariably flower insects, seldom with any marked
powers of flight and never having the habit cf hovering
in the air. Not a few species are caught in the beating net
or on the windows of dwelling houses. Many of the

* Xylomyia i7, 81 which Osten Sacken and Austin insist belongs in
this family, has spurs on the middle and hind tibia.- and the costal vein
encompasses the wing.

164

P'o- 55- Chrysochlora. Fig. 56. Rhaphiocera.

Fig. 57. Ptecticus.

STRATIOMYIMv

165

species have in life bright yellow or green markings.
The eggs, such as have been observed, are laid on the
ground, on plants about water, or perhaps on the surface
of the water itself. The larvae are carnivorous, or feed
upon decaying vegetable material. The larvae of Myio-
chrysa have been found in cow-dung, and under stones;

those cf Geosargns in the
flowing sap of elm trees;
those of Hermetia in priv-
ies ; those of Pachygaster
and Zabrachia in decaying
wood; those of Ben's in
moss; those of Sir a tio myia ,
Odontomyia, Nemotelus,
etc., in water. The larvae
of Stratiomyia have been
observed in salt and alka-
line water.

The body is smooth and
flattened, the last segment
often prolonged into an
elongated breathing tube
and having a terminal
transverse cleft. The pu-
pae are inactive, develop-
ing within the larval skin,
the pupal skin remaining
within, or partially within,
the larval skin when the
fly escapes through a
longitudinal or trans-
verse rent.

Fig. 58.

Cyphotnyia;

female, enlarged.

17

1 66

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

JCXJJC&cdi V8

Fig. 59. Stratiotnyidse. (See next pa

STRATIOMYID^E-

167

Figs- 59. 6o- Stratiotnyidae. i, Chiromyza, wing; 2, Bert's, wing;
3, Berts, antennae; 4, Cynipimorpha, scutellutn; 5, Cynipimorpha,
wing; 6, Acanthina, wing; 7, Xylomyia, wing; 8, Xylomyia, antenna;
9, Hermetia, wing; 10, Hermetia, antenna; 11, Odontomyia, wing;
12, Odontomyia, antenna; 13, Stratiomyia, antenna; 14, Geosargus,
wing; 15, Ptecticus, wing: 16, Pteclicus, antenna; 17, Cyphomyia, an-
tenna; 18, Merosargus, antenna; 19, Histiodroma, wing; 20, Eupa-
rhypkus, wing; 21, Euparhyphus, antenna; 22, Enryneura, head from
in front; 23, Pelagomyia, head; 24, Nemotelns, head; 25 Aochle-
tus, antenna ; 26, Analcocerus, wing ; 27, Pachygaster, head ; 28,
Scoliopelt.i (type), head; 29 Microc/irysa, wing; 30, Clitellaria, head;
31, Rhaphiocera, wing; 32, My.vosargus, head; 33, Allognosta, wing;
34, Chrysochlora, antenna; 35, R/ringiopsis, head; 36, Dicranophora.

t68 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Abdomen with seven visible segments.. .... 5

Abdomen with five or six visible segments. .... 2

2. Three posterior veins, all arising from the diseal cell. . . 38
Four posterior veins, the first and third sometimes vestigial Imt

at least represented by angulations of the diseal cell. . 3

3. All the posterior veins arise from the diseal cell, the fifth ]K>steri<>r

cell hence contiguous proximally with the diseal cell. . 29
The last posterior vein arises from the second basal cell. . 4

4. Antenna- with an elongate terminal or dorsal arista. . . 11
Third antenna! joint not with a distinctly differentiated arista, its

segments homologous or nearly so. . . . . . 20

HKRIDIN.K.

5. Three posterior veins, all arising from the diseal cell.* . b
Four posterior veins, or vestiges of them, all arising from the dis-
eal cell; scutellum with spines. ...... 10

6. Scutellum with spines. ....... 8

Scutellum without spines. ....... 7

7. Short, small species; third vein with an anterior branch (33).

Allognosta.'
More elongate and larger species, especially in the female; third
vein simple (1) Chiromyza.

8. Scutellum with ten spines. .... Heteracantha.
Scutellum with less than ten spines. ..... 9

9. Head hemispherical (2,3) Beris.

Head not hemispherical; the antennae situated low down, the

frontal region long and plane Berismyia.

10. Hind femora thickened. ..... Neoexaireta.

Hind tibiae thickened at extremity. t .... Actina.

The third vein rarely arises from the basal cell in species of />'<•> is.

t The genus . Icltna, to which Herts viridis has been referred, has a
dichoptic head in the male, four posterior veins arising from the dis-
eal cell, thickened distal extremity of the tibiae, etc. Osten Sacken
has given as the chief distinction of the genus from Juris the well-
developed palpi, vestigia] in Hois. In our spu-ii-s of Ren's, how-
ever, the palpi are of considerable size. Beris viridis differs from
other species of the ^ciius in having dichoptic eyes in the male; hut
its venation is typically that of Hn is.

STRATIOMYID^E.

169

SARGIN^S.

11. Scutelluni with spines. ........ 12

Scutelluni without spines. . . . . . . .14

12. Third vein with anterior branch (fig. 54; 31). Rhaphiocera.
Third vein without anterior branch. ..... 13

13. Scutelluni produced into a stout median process, bearing two di-

varicate spines at its tip (36). Dicranophora, S. A.
Scutelluni with marginal spines. . . . Nothomyia.

14. Second longitudinal vein coalescent with the first in a broad ex-

pansion of the costa; antennae moderately long, the long arista

flattened (19) Histiodroma.

Wings not with an anterior distal expansion of the costa. . 15

15. Anterior ocellus more widely separated than the other two; males

holoptic or dichoptic. . . . . . . . 16

Ocelli equidistant, more approximate. ..... 17

16. Abdomen contracted at its base, clavate or pedicillate

Macrosargus*.
Abdomen not clavate or pedicillate (14) {Sargus) . Geosargus.

17. Second antennal joint prolonged on the inner side, closely over-

lying the third joint (fig. 56, 15, 16) . . Ptecticus.

Second antennal joint not with such a projection. . . 18

18. Third joint of antennae elongate, composed of four segments, with

a long terminal arista thickened and pubescent at its base.

Acrochseta.

Third antennal joint short, oval or subulate, with an apical or pre-

apical arista. . . . . . . . . . 19

19. Hind femora moderately thickened at base; non-metallic, more or

less yellow species (18) ..... Merosargus.
Hind femora not more thickened at base; usually blue, green and

metallic species, elongate. . . . Chrysochroma.

Hind femora slender; small, deep-colored species; the holoptic eyes

of the male with an area of enlarged facets above; eyes hairy

{Myiochrysa)\ or bare (29). . . . Microchrysa.

STRATlOMYINi£.

20. Third vein with an anterior branch. ..... 21

Third vein without anterior branch; scutellum spinose. . 28

* The genus Macrosargus is so feebly differentiated that I do not
think it can be maintained. If not, the name must take preference
over Cieosargus bezzi, substituted for Sargus, preoccupied.

r-o NORTH AMERICAN DIPTBRA.

21. Scutellum without spines; first two joints of antennae short.

Chordonota.
Scutellum with spines, rarely absent in species of Odontotnyia. 22

22 Costa thickenetl distally in front; antenna; elongate, the flagellum

composed of six closely united segments (26 1. Analcocerus.

Costa not thickened distally in front. ..... 23

23. Third antenna! joint composed of four, five or six closely united

segments. .......... 24

Third antenna! joint composed of seven or eight closely united
segments. .......... 26

24. Head strongly produced forward for insertion of the antennae, the

face much retreating [Promeranisa, S. A.)
Head not strongly produced forward. ..... 25

25. First antennal joint three or more times the length of the second

1 13 1 Stratiomyia.

First antennal joint less than three times the length of the second
(11, 12) Odontomyia.

26. First antennal joint two or three times the length of the second,

the third much elongated, ...... 27

First antennal joint but little longer than the second, the third
terminating in a bristle Neorondania.

27. Thorax narrowed anteriorly; body with green and yellow mark-

ings Campeprosopa.

Thorax not narrowed in front; body black, not with green and
yellow markings; posterior orbits of female often conspicuously
tumid ami colored (fig. 58; 17). . . . Cyphomyia.

28. Head strongly produced anteriorly, with a porrect spine immedi-

ately below the insertion of antennae {Rhingiopsis, S. A. 35.1
Head not projecting, the face produced conically downward; third
joint of antennae composed of six* segments ^32).

Myxosargus.
CLITELLARINiE.

29. Scutellum with spines 30

Scutellum without spines 35

* The j^enus Myxosargus was described by Hrauer as having eight
segments in the third joint of the antenna;, the segments distinguish-
able with difficulty. The species referred by me to this genus
have but six segments in the third joint, easily distinguishable. The
posterior orbits of the female are thin and expanded, and the females
of all tin- species have one or more conspicuous tubercles on the front.

STRATIOMYID.E- I7I

30. Antennae short, with a subterminal arista. . . Oxycera.
Antennae more or less elongate. ...... 31

31. Antennae situated near the oral margin, third joint composed of

five or six segments (22). .... Euryneura.

Antennae situated near middle of head in profile. . . 32

32. Antennae much elongated; style not differentiated; eyes bare;

smaller species (20, 21) Euparhyphus.

Antennae moderately elongated. ...... 33

33. Style of antennae not differentiated; eyes pubescent; occiput flat-

tened (28) Scoliopelta.

Style of antennae distinctly differentiated 34

34. Eyes pubescent; antennae with a slender style (30). Clitellaria.
Eyes bare; style not slender (25) .... Aochletus.

35. Face produced conically. ■ 36

Face not produced. ........ 37

36. Males holoptic (24) Nemotelus.

Males dichoptic. . , Alisonia.

37. The third antennal joint terminates in a very long, densely fringed,

lamelliform style; large, elongate species; eyes pubescent or
bare (9,10) Hermetia.

Third joint of antennae with a short, thickset, differentiated style
terminating in a short bristle ; eyes pubescent ; moderate sized
species (23) Pelagomyia.

The third antennal joint tapers into a long, thickened, or styliform
arista, the basal two-thirds of which is short but densely plu-
mose, the distal extremity bristly; eyes bare (Cacosis, S. A.).

The third antennal joint terminates in a long slender arista, not
at all pubescent or hairy at base; eyes bare, large species (fig.
55; 34). Chrysochlora

PACHYGASTRIN^.

38. Antennae situated near or toward the oral margin; scutellum spin-

ose; males holoptic; eyes pubescent. 39

Antennae situated near the middle of the head in profile. . 43

39. Third joint of antennae forked; scutellum quadrispinose. . 42
Third joint of antennae not forked. ..... 40

40. Third joint of antennae elongate, with a short, differentiated style;

scutellum quadrispinose (6) . . . . .. Acanthina.

Third joint of antennae shorter; ending in a bristle. . . 41

I72 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

41. Third joint antennae oblong, with its apex attenuated, the arista

bare; scutellum I)ispinose [Spyridopa, S. A.).
Third joint subglo1x>se: scntelhun bispinose {Panacris, S. A.)

42. Upper branch of antennae with a terminal arista and a lateral pro-

cess. . Neochauna.

Upper branch with a short, slender style and no lateral process
1 Blaslocera, S. A. 1.

43. The scntelhun terminates in a stout median spine or process (4, 5 1

Cynipimorpha.
Scutellum without median spine or process, simple. . . 44

44. Third vein with an anterior branch. ..... 45

Third vein without branch. ..... Zabrachia.

45. Third antenna] joint oval, with its terminal arista briefly but

densely plumose Lophoteles.

Third joint rounded or oval, its terminal arista bare (27).

Pachyg-aster.

The relationships of the genera allied to Sazg us 1 Geosargus) —Mero-
sargus, Macrosargus {Pedicella Bigot), Chrysoehrpma, Microchrysa
and Myiochrysa, are all more or less doubtful. Even Ptecticus can
not be sharply limited by the structure of the second antenna! joint.
I suspect that Pedicella will have to take precedence over Sargus\
Macrosargus and Geosargus, and that Chrysochroma will have to be
merged into Merosargiis. The whole group sadly needs revision.
The genus Nothomyia, which I do not know, may perhaps find its
proper place under 28.

XV. Family ACANTHOMERID^E.

Fig. 61. Acanthomera sp., 9 » Venezuela; natural size.

Very large, stout, bristleless, nearly bare flies. Eyes
large, contiguous in the male. Ocelli present. Third
joint of the antennae complex, composed of seven seg-
ments, with a terminal, often. in the male setiform style.
Proboscis short, not adapted for piercing, with fleshy la-
bella; palpi two-jointed. Squamae rudimentary. Tibiae
without spurs; pulvilli and empodia pad-like. Wings
with two submarginal and five posterior cells, the fourth
posterior cell and the anal cell closed.

But two genera are known in this family, including al-
together only about fifteen or sixteen species, all of which
are inhabitants of Central and South America. The spe-
cies of Acanthomera are found in forests, alighting on
trunks of trees, according to Mr. Champion; otherwise
their habits, whether of the adult or immature stages,
are but little known. Brauer has figured and described
the larvae of A. frauenfeldii. They are cylindrical, thick
and short. The last segment is firmly chitinized above

173

174

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

with two series of booklets, the two projecting backward
in the middle being stont and curved; below these there
is a deep, transverse cleft, on the under side of which is
a rounded lip.

Fig. 62. Acanthotnera, sp. wing.

In both Acanthotnera and Rhaphiorhynchus the face
may be produced conically or not at all. The two genera
are distinguished by the structure of the second joint of
the palpi, in Acanthotnera slender, in Rhaphiorhynchus
stout and pointed. Both genera may have a spine on
the under side of the hind femora.

Osten Sacken has already commented upon the sup-
posed distinctions between Acanthotnera and Rhaphio-
rhynchus^ making it clear that only the palpal character
is of service, and even that is doubtful since it may be
only sexual. I have examined five or six species of the
family and am very skeptical of the validity of Rhaphio-
rhynchus.

There are apparently no valid nor just reasons for the
retention of the generic name Acanthomcra. Wiedemann
more than once, arbitrarily and without giving reasons,
rejected the earlier names of genera and species for ones
of his own creation, and the present seems to be one of
the most flagrant examples. The description and figure

.--- AXTHOMERIDi. t~-

of Pantvphthalmus tabaninus Thunberg leave no doubt
of the form to which they apply, and the description was
published two years earlier than that of Acanthomera, and
was quoted by Wiedemann. Possibly Wiedemann thought
the name inappropriate, but, to say the least, it is no
more inappropriate than his Acanthemera, in which the
"spiny femora' may be only an individual character, cer-
tainly not generic.

The relationships of the family are very close indeed
to the Stratiomyidae. and the families might, very prop-
erly, be united.

XVI. Family TABANIDiE.

BY PROF. J. S. HI NIC.

Fig. 63. Tabanus hneola\ enlarged. After Lugger.

Head large, the occiput flattened or concave. Antennae
porrect, the third joint composed of from four to eight
segments or annuli. Eyes large, pubescent or bare, con-
tiguous above in the male, and often with some of the
facets much larger than the others; in the living insect
of either sex usually with green or purple bands or spots.
Ocelli present or absent. Proboscis projecting, some-
times as long as or longer than the body ; palpi two-joint-
ed, that is with one movably articulated joint, which is
variable in length and thickness in different genera.
Thorax and abdomen clothed with fine hairs, never with
bristles. Abdomen broad, never constricted at the base,
composed of seven visible segments; genitalia never
prominent. Legs moderately stout, the tibiae sometimes
much dilated; middle tibiae always with two spurs at
tip; empodium developed pulvilliform, the pulvilli al-
ways present. Wings but little variable; two submar-

176

TABANIM. I77

ginal and five posterior cells always present; basal cells
large, anal cell usually closed, but never far before the
border of the wing; the marginal vein encompasses the
entire wing. Squamae of considerable size. Flies of mod-
erate or large size, never slender; rarely with brilliant
colors.

Fig. 64. Pangonia guttata; enlarged.

This family includes the insects commonlyealled horse-
flies, green-headed flies, etc., and has a wide distribution
over the world. About eighteen hundred species have
received names, of which not less than two hundred and
seventy-five are from North America. None of the spe-
cies are active on dark, cloudy days, though some are
partial to shady woods, and are very annoying to stock
in such places. On clear, warm days, horseflies begin
flying as soon as the sun has warmed the air, and are
iS

i;N NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

usually most active toward the latter part of the fore-
noon, although they are plentiful about cattle and horses
during most of the time while the sun is shining. The
females only are bloodsucking in habit; the males feed
upon the juices of plants, the honey-dew secreted by
plant-lice and scale insects, and similar substances.
The females also will feed as the males do, when nothing
more to their liking is procurable. Their bites are pain-
ful, but are not usually attended with that inflammation
or swelling characteristic of the mosquitoes and punkies.

Most species of Tabanidae may be collected in various
situations. Sweeping the grasses and weeds of marshy
places, collecting from fences and trunks of trees in the
early morning, or from plants much infested by plant-
lice or certain scale insects throughout the day, netting
specimens that fly about stock or the collector's own
head, or that may be found upon various flowers, or cap-
turing such as may enter the doors and alight upon the
windows, all are productive of results. Collections made
in these ways are pretty sure to represent well the tabanid
fauna of any locality.

The eggs of the Tabanidae are deposited in large masses
on the stems and leaves of plants or in similar places
<>vcr water or in marshy land. They are spindle-shaped,
brown or black in color, and, in ordinary summer temp-
erature, hatch in from seven to nine days The larvae
feed upon various small creatures, and in such cases as
have been observed reach maturity and change to pupae
the following spring. The pupal stage is completed in
three or four weeks, the whole cycle from the deposition
of the eggs to imaginal maturity thus requiring about
eleven months for its completion. The larvae may be
sought for in rotting logs and stumps, in the soil in the
vicinity of ponds, under i->tt>iu\s about ditches, or swim-

TABANIM.

179

ming free in the water; indeed one may occasionally find
them in the most unexpected places. The pupae are
difficult to find in nature, though they usually rest near
the surface of the ground wherever the larvae come to
maturity. Larvae taken in the spring are easily reared
in jars of moist earth on a diet of angle worms; but only
a single specimen can be reared in each jar, for they are
cannibalistic in nature. The body of the larvae is eleven-
segmented, each segment usually encircled by a row of
fleshy protuberances, which are most pronounced on the

Fig. 65. Tabanidae. 1, Tabanus, wing; 2, 3, Tabanus, antennae,
4, Dichelacera, antenna; 5, Snowiellus, head, side; 6, Hcematopota
head, in front; 7, Diachlorus, head, front; 9, Lepidoselaga, front leg;
10, Stibasoma, leg; n, Chrysops, head; 12, Chrysops, leg; 13, Goniops,
head, front; 14, Silvius, antenna; 15, Apatolestes, head, front; 16, Pity-
ocera, antenna (Giglio-Tos) . Figures by J. S. Hine.

l8o NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

ventral side, where they serve as prolegs. The head is
small, but distinct, and the mouth-parts are peculiar;
the mandibles are two strongly chitinized pieces which
work antero-posteriorly ; when they are retracted the an-
terior ends point directly forward, but when protruded,
they point downward and backward, thus forming a pair
of hooks by which the prey is held.

TABLE OF GENERA.

i. Hind tibia; with spurs at tip 2

Hind tibiae without spurs tit tip 8

2. First six segments of the third joint of antennae each produced

into a pair of long processes (16i. . . . Pityocera.
None of the segments of third joint of antennae produced into lat-
eral processes 3

3. Third joint of antennae composed of five segments, the first of

which is much longer than the following ones; ocelli present. 4

Third joint of antennae composed of eight segments, the first of

which is only slightly longer than the following ones. . 5

4. Second joint of antennae only half as long as the first (14).

Silvius.

Second joint of antennae distinctly more than half as long as the

first (11, 12 1 Chrysops.

5. Fourth posterior cell of wing closed (Dielisa). . . Scione.
Fourth posterior cell open 6

6. Eyes of female acutely angulated above; wings in both sexes dark

on anterior part, hyaline behind (13) . . . Goniops.

Eyes of female not acutely angulated above; wings nearly uniform

in color or hyaline. ........ 7

7. Front of female wide; much wider below than above; proboscis

only a little longer than the palpi (15). . Apatolestes.

Front of female of normal width or narrow; its sides usually par-
allel; ocelli present or absent; prol)oscis often long or very long.

Pangonia.

8. Third joint of antennae composed of four segments; front of female

very wide 16) Hamatopota.

Third joint of antennae composed of five rings or segments; front
of female not unusually wide. ...... 9

TABANID^. j8i

9. Third joint of antennae with a distinct basal angle or process

above. 11

Third joint of antennae not with a process or distinct angle
above. .......... 10

10. Front of female narrow; front tibiae rather broad (7) .

Diachlorus.

Front of female of normal width; front and middle tibiae greatly

dilated (9). Lepidoselaga.

11. Hind tibiae ciliate with long hairs. ..... 12

Hind tibiae not ciliated. . . . . . . 13

12. Third antennal joint with a very long basal process, the annulate

portion short; front tibiae dilated (10). . . Stibasoma.

Third antennal joint with a basal prominence; antennae situated

on a projecting prominence (5). . . . Snowiellus.

13. Basal process of third antennal joint unusually long, at least reach-

ing the third ring of the joint; body long (4) Dichelacera.

Basal process of third joint often short or obsolete, at most not

reaching the end of the first segment (2, 3). . Tabanus.

A. Eyes pubescent; an ocelligerous tubercle present in the male.

Therioplectes.

B. Eyes bare; no ocelligerous tubercle. . . Tabanus.

C. Eyes pubescent; no ocelligerous tubercle. . Atylotus.

XVII. Family CVRTID^.

Fig. 66. Opsebius pterodontinus, enlarged. After Lugger.

Small to large, never elongate, pilose or nearly bare
flies. Head small or very small, formed chiefly by the
large eyes, which are usually contiguous in both sexes
above or below, or above and below the antennae; three,
two or no ocelli present; antennae composed of two or
three joints, with or without a terminal aiista or bristle.
Proboscis rudimentary or long, sometimes very long.
Thorax large, spherical; squamae very large and inflated;
scutellum large. Abdomen closely united to the thorax,
large and inflated. Legs rather stout; the tarsi with
three membranous pads under the claws. Venation
variable, the veins sometimes weak and indistinct; often
a supernumerary cross-vein between the third and fourth
veins.

This family, the Cyrtidae or Acroceridae, comprises a
small number of curious flies with curious habits. They

[82

cyrtim:.

183

are easily recognizable by their small head and large, in-
flated squamae. No family characters can be drawn from
the venation, owing to the great differences often exist-

Fig. 67. Cyrtidae. 1, Acrocera, wing; 2, Acrocera, head; 3, Phi-
lopota, wing. 4, Philopota, head; 5, Oncodes, wing; 6, Oucodes, head;
7 (number removed by engraver), Pterodontia, wing; 8, Pterodonlia,
head; 9, Ocncca, wing; 10, Ocncra, head; 11, Eulonchits, wing; 12,
Eulonchus, head; 13, Lasia, wing; 14, Lasia, head.

1 84

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

ing between forms otherwise related. In the few forms
in which the larvae are known they are parasitic upon
spiders or their cocoons. 'In the spring of 1887, while
hunting for spiders, I found hanging in cobwebs several
soft white maggots and pupae. The webs were generally
old and out of repair, and a closer examination showed
that no living spider was in them, but almost every one
had an empty skin of a common spider Amaurobius sylves-
tris, nearly full grown. The skin of the legs and thorax
was not clean like a moulted skin, but dirty and opaque,
as though eaten out, and the skin of the abdomen when
present was torn and shriveled. From this I concluded
that the maggots came out of the spiders, and from their
size must have nearly filled them. The maggots varied
considerably in size, the largest being a quarter of an
inch long, while others were not more than half as large.
The hinder half cf the body was thicker than the front
half and nearly spherical. They hung head downward,
holding to the web by their jaws and were also partly
supported by threads under and around them.' The
author of the foregoing, J. H. Emerton, reared from other
specimens of these larvae a fly belonging to the genus
Acrocera. The larvae of Astomella lindclii, according to
Brauer, are so lodged in the abdomen of the spider that
the posterior terminal stigmata are in relation with the
lung-tubes of the spider. The eggs are said to be de-
posited on dried twigs.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Antennae without terminal arista or style 2

Antennae with a terminal arista 3

2. Antennae short, third joint rounded, with terminal bristly hairs. 3
Antennae elongate. 7

3. Antennae inserted below the middle of the head in profile. . 4
Antennae inserted above the middle of the head. ... 6

CYRTID.E. !85

4. Wings with a stout costal spur near the tip of first vein (7,8)

Pterodontia.
Wings without such spur 5

5. Proboscis small or vestigial* (5,6). . . . Oncodes.
Proboscis elongate, directed backward; prothoracic lobes broadly

united above (3, 4). Philopota.

6. Venation complete; eyes pilose (fig. 66). . . Opsebius.
Venation more or less obsolete; eyes bare (1, 2). . Acrocera.

7. Proboscis very small, vestigial. ...... 8

Proboscis elongate. ......... 10

8. Eyes bare. Appeleia.

Eyes pilose or pubescent. ....... 9

9. Third joint of antennae with terminal bristly hairs. Pialeoidea.
Third antennal joint not with terminal bristly hairs (9, 10).

Ocnaea.

10. Ocelli wanting; large flies (13, 14) Lasia.

Ocelli present; moderately large flies (11, 12). . Eulonchus.

* Compare Nothra americana Bigot. The occurrence of this genus
in North America is doubtful. If, however, Bigot correctly recognized
it, the species should be sought for under Oncodes.

XVIII. Family NKMISTRINIDjE.

Species of moderate size, not elongate, thinly or densely
pilose. Venation complicated; the fourth and fifth veins
are curved forward to terminate before the tip of the wing;
the anterior cross-vein is obsolete, that is the third and
fourth veins coalesce for a short distance; basal cells
long. Antennae small, short; third joint simple, with a
terminal, slender, jointed style. Proboscis sometimes
elongate. Ovipositor of the female elongate, often slen-
der. Tibiae without spurs; empodia developed pulvilli-
form, but, with the pulvilli often minute. (See fig. 69.)

Fig. 68. Wing of Rhynchocephalus volaticus.
a, third submarginal cell; b—f, first— fifth posterior cells.

Throughout the world about one hundred species of
this family are known, the larger part of which are from
South America and Australia. Only six species are
known from North America and two or three from all
Europe. Some of the species have the wings with nu-
merous cross-veins, almost recticulate in appearance.
Megistorhynchus longirostris from Africa, though only
about two-thirds of an inch in length, has a proboscis
nearly three inches long. The adults are flower flies,
resembling in their habits the Bombyliidae.

But little is known of the larvae. The females of Hir-
moneura obscura have been observed laying their eggs
deeply within the burrows of Anthaxia, a wood-boring

1S6

NEMISTRINID.E. 187

insect, in the pine rails of fences. The eggs were found
in clusters and the young larvae hatched from them differ-
ed very singularly from those of a more mature growth.
They were more slender, but differed chiefly in having each
of the abdominal segments from the sixth to the twelfth
provided with a pair of false legs bearing a single elon-
gate seta at the tip, the hooks pointing backward; on the
thirteenth segment there were two pairs of similar setae,
the hooks of which, however, pointed forwards, thus en-
abling the larva to attach itself firmly and raise itself
erect. These young larvae issued in great numbers from
the burrows in which they were hatched and, placing
themselves erect, were blown away by the wind. Here
for a time they have not been followed, but it is probable
that they attach themselves by the aid of the ventral
hooks to the bodies of large-sized beetles, by which they
are carried into the ground when the females enter to de-
posit their eggs. This is probable from the fact that
hundreds of pupae and pupa skins were observed near
the fence. On searching below these the larval skins
were found at a depth of about two inches, and still deeper
were found the remains of the beetles, Rhizotrogus solsti-
tialis, in some instances with the larvae yet within them.
Females of Rhynchocephalus sackeni have been observed
by Bruner apparently depositing eggs in the stems of
Eriogonum alatum.

TABLE OF GENERA.
1. Proboscis short, protruding but little from the oral opening; eyes
bare or pilose; two or three submarginal cells. Hirmoneura.

Proboscis long; antennae broadly separated; eyes bare; ovipositor
composed of two slender lameilae; three submarginal cells
present (fig. 68) Rhynchocephalus.

XIX. Family APIOCERID^.

Rather large, elongate, chaetophorous, thinly pilose
flies. Antennae three-jointed, with or without a small,
short style. Front not excavated, broader in the female.
Ocelli present. Face short. Proboscis not adapted for
piercing, the labella not horny. Third longitudinal vein
of wings usually furcate; basal cells large; five posterior
cells present. Empodia wanting. Male forceps enlarged.

E*ig; 71. Apioceridae. Apiocera haruspex, head; 2, Apiocera har-
uspex, wing; 3, Apiocera, sp. (Australia wing; 4. . Ipiocera (gen. nov.
Australia) wing; ,s, Rhaphiomidas acton, head; 6, Rhaphiomidas

acton, wing.

Less than a score of species of this family are known
throughout the world, seven of which have been de-
scribed from North America. The genera have been
variously placed among the Mydaidse, Asilidae and

iS8

Fig. 69. Trichophthalma, species (Netnestrinidae); enlarged.

Fig. 70. Apiocera, species; enlarged. (Australia.)

Fig. 73. Craspedia coriaria Life size.

Fig. 74. Erax quadrimaculatus . Three times natural size.

APIOCERID.E.

189

Therevidae, but seem best isolated into a distinct group,
though the relationships of Rhaphiomidas with the My-
daidge are evident; perhaps as close as with Apiocera.
The members of the genus Apiocera have much the ap-
pearance of large Therevidae or of Asilidae, from which
they will be at once distinguished by the anterior curva-
ture of the third and fourth veins of the wings. The
larvae are unknown. See fig. 70.

TABLE OF GENERA.
1. Palpi two-jointed, large; the second vein from the discal cell ter-
minates beyond the tip of the wing (1, 2). . Apiocera.
Palpi one-jointed, small; the second vein from the discal cell ter-
minates before the tip of the wing; proboscis elongate (Apomi-
das) {5,6) Rhaphiomidas.

19

XX. Family MYDAID^K.

•
Rather large to very large (see fig. i, page 16), thinly

clothed or bare, elongated flies. Venation complicated,
the basal cells long, the fourth vein always terminating
at or before the tip of the wing; posterior branch of
fourth sometimes present and terminating also before the
tip of the wing, as in Rhaphiomidas ( Apioceridse), but
not present in American species. Antennae composed of
four joints, the fourth always, the third usually elongate.
Front excavated between the eyes; both sexes dichoptic;
ocelli wanting. Proboscis with fleshy labella, and with-
out palpi (in our species). Empodia very little devel-
oped, not pulvilliform.

Fi^. 72. Mydaidae. 1, Dolichogaster
antenna; 3, flfydas, antenna.

wing ; 2, Dolichogaster \

The family Mydaidae comprises only about a hundred
known species, more abundantly represented in Austra-
lia, Africa, South and Central America. The family

190

MYDAID.E. IgI

comprises the largest of known diptera. The relation-
ships of the family are very close with Rhaphiomidas of
the Apioceridae, through the Tricloninae.

The larvae of species of Mydas live in decaying wood,
and it is probable that other members of the family have
similar thabits. They are known to be predaceous in
some cases upon the larvae of beetles. The larvae of M.
fulvipes are nearly two inches in length, with swellings
below the abdominal segments for locomotion; the body
is depressed and somewhat widened, with the posterior
extremity broader and somewhat obtuse. The pupa of
M. clavatus has at its anterior end two strong, sharp, out-
wardly curved hooks; the first abdominal segment has
at its anterior border above, a row of very long, erect
spines, curved backward at the tip. Another series of
spines is situated on the anterior border of the last seg-
ment; and, on the same segment there is a pair of hooks
at the tip curved downward.

TABLE OF GENERA,
i. Terminal segment of the female abdomen with a circlet of spines. 3
Terminal segment of female abdomen without circlet of spines. 2

2. Antennae but little longer than the head, the third short and the

fourth expanded ; cross-vein between the second and fourth
posterior cells present or not (1, 2) . . Dolichogaster.
Antennae much longer than the head, the third and fourth joints
elongated; the latter moderately or but slightly expanded {P/iy-
lomidas)*. (Fig. 1, and 3.) Mydas.

3. Hind tibiae of female with spur; a short vein ends in hind margin

of the wing between the second and fourth posterior cells.

Ectyphus.

Hind tibiae of female without terminal spur; no such cross-vein;

proboscis elongate. Leptomydas.

* I have examined specimens of Phylomidas phylocerus, the type
species of the genus, from Norton County, Kansas, in the University
of Kansas Museum. The genus is not valid, differing from Mydas
only in the more expanded fourth antennal joint.

XXI. Family ASILID^F).

Fig- 75- Pi omacluts vertebratus, natural size. After Washburn.

Species cf moderate to large size, rarely small ; usu-
ally more or less elongate in form, sometimes thickly
hairy; always bristly, the bristles sometimes conspicu-
ous^7 strong; highly predaceous in habit. Head flatten-
ed, broad and short, separated from the thorax by a
freely movable neck. Front excavated between the eyes,
dichoptic in both sexes, the front of the male not narrow-
ed. Ocelli present, usually situated upon a rounded
tubercle; front with bristles. Antennae porrect, simple,
usually composed of three simple joints, the third more
or less elongate, and with or without a terminal style or
arista, the bristle exceptionally pectinate; sometimes
the so-called style is thickened, forming one or two an-
tennal joints. Proboscis never markedly elongate; firm
and horny, adapted for piercing, directed downward, or
downward and forward; labella never fleshy; palpi com-
posed of one or two joints. Abdomen composed of eight

192

ASILID^J.

193

segments, the hypopygium and ovipositor usually promi-
nent. Legs strong, bristly, of moderate length, rarely
elongate and slender; tarsi strong; empodium bristle-
like (31) or wanting, the pulvilli rarely vestigial. Squa-
mae small. Wings when at rest lying parallel over the
abdomen; basal cells long; two or three submarginal
and five posterior (four in Townsendia and Leptoptcromyia,
35) cells present; first and fourth posterior and the anal
cells closed or open. (Figs. 73 and 74.)

The family Asilidae, or Robber-flies is one of the larg-
est and best known among diptera, including about three
thousand species, distributed in more than one hundred
and fifty genera. Many of the species are conspicuous
for their large size, the largest measuring nearly two
inches in length, while the smallest known species is
over four millimeters. They are, perhaps, the most pre-
daceous of all flies in their habits. The greater part of
them rest upon the ground in wait for their prey, arising
with a quick buzzing sound when disturbed, to alight a

short distance beyond. Some of
the Iyaphrinae have a striking
resemblance to humble bees, and
are usually observed resting up-
on foliage about the borders of
forests. All their food, which
consists wholly of other insects,
is caught upon the wing; their

luckless victims when once seiz-
Fig. 76. Vasyltis, species; , , , , . £

natural size. After Kellogg. ed hY their strong feet are pow-
erless to escape. Their prey is
usually other flies and hymenoptera, but flying beetles,
especially the Cicindelae, are often caught, and they are
known to capture and destroy large dragonflies. In one
instance that the writer observed, a female seized a pair
of her own species, and thrusting her proboscis into the

i94

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.
16

AvSILID^E.

195

Fig. 76. Asilidae. 1, Leptogaster, wing; 2, Leptogaster, antenna; 3,
Leptogaster, end of tarsus (claw mostly cut away) ; 4, Damalis occi-
de/ilalis, antenna; 5, Dicranus jaliscoensis, claw; 6, Stenopogon (Scle-
ropogon) truquii, antenna; 7, Microstylum galactodes, wing; Psilo-
curus, sp. antenna; 9, Laphystia, species, antenna; 10, Ceraturgus
cruciatus, head; 11, Myelaphus melas, head; 12, Dioctria nitida, anten-
na; 13, Blepharepium coarctatum, claw; 14, Deromyiawinthemi,wing,\
15, Deromyia, antenna; 16, Lestomyia fraudigera, head; 17, Tar adi-
eus, tibial spur; 18, Taracticus, antenna; 19. Cophura, antenna; 20,
Nicocles rufus, wing; 21, Pseudorus, tibial spur; 22, Atomosia puella,
wing; 23, Pogonosoma dorsata, wing; 24, Dasylechia {Hyperechia)
atrox, head; 25, Dasyllis, antenna; 26, Laphria, wing; 27, Omina-
tius tibialis, antenna; 28, Eccritosia {Proctacanthus) amphinome,
wing; 29, Mallophora, claw; 30, Promachus, wing; 31, Promachus,
claws; 32, Promachus, antenna.

Fig. 77. Asilidae. 34, Psilocurus caudatus, wing; 35, Leptoptero-
myia gracilis (type, Brazil); 36, Holcocephala nitida, head, from in

196 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

thorax of the male, carried them both off together. The
larvae live for the most part in rotting wood, under bark,
or in soil containing decomposing vegetable matter, un-
der leaves, etc., and feed upon grubs and other larvae.
The larvae are cylindrical in shape, with parchment-like
skin, the abdominal segments sometimes girdled with
rounded tubercles, or with abdominal protuberances for
locomotion, The pupae are free, with strong booklets
at the anterior end, the abdomen provided with spiny
girdles, mixed with hairs below and behind; the last seg-
ment has two short, divaricate booklets and several

■aller projections.

i he young larvae sometimes bore their way completely
within the bodies of other larvae, remaining there till
their food is wholly consumed. Often the larvae are
found free in the earth, however, where their transforma-
tions occur. The eggs are laid about grass stems, or in
crevices of decaying logs and trees infested by the larvae
of other insects.

The division of the family into four subfamilies based
upon the closure or non-closure of the marginal cell, and
the presence or absence of a terminal bristly arista is ar-
tificial in a large measure, but at the same time is very
useful. I also doubt the importance of the terminal spur
on the front tibiae as a true index of relationships. So
far as my studies go, the structure of the palpi is a more
natural character for subfamily division, the Dasypogo-
ninae and Laphrinae having two joints, the Leptogas-
trinae and Asilinse one. The Leptogastrinae are, further-
more, entitled to subfamily distinction because of the

front; 37 ■, Stenopogon [Scleropogon) truquti, head; 58, Archilestris
magnijicus, head; 39, Chrysoceria pictitarsis, head; 40, Dizonias, sp.
bead; 41, Pseudorus bicolor, head; 42, Atonia mikii, head; 43, Ato-
tnosia macquartii, antenna; 44, Ceroiainia, species, antenna; 45,
Lavtpria, species, hind leg; 46, Laphria (JVusa), sp. , wing.

asiud^e.

197

remarkably attenuated body and the more generalized
venation. The dividing line between the Dasypogoninae
and Eaphringe will be more difficult to make, since there
are forms with closed marginal cell whose natural rela-
tionships are closer with the Dasypogoninae, and vice
versa. It is probable that the following characters will
be found the most natural, for the ordinary grouping at
least:

A. Palpi one-jointed; antennae with a slender terminal arista.

B. Marginal cell open; very slender species. Leptogastrinse.
BB. Marginal cell closed, less slender or robust species.

Asilinae.
AA. Palpi two-jointed; antennae with or without a thickened terminal
style; very rarely with a terminal arista,

C. Marginal cell open, or rarely closed at extreme tip.

Dasypogoninae.
CC. Marginal cell closed Laphrinae.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Marginal cell of wings open (14). . . . Dasypogoninae.
Marginal cell closed (22, 23, etc.) 2

2. Antennae with a terminal bristle (32). . . . Asilinae.
Antennae with or without a terminal style (24, 25). Laphrinae.

DASYPOGONIN/E.
Marginal cell of wings open; antenna?, with or without a terminal style or bristle.

1. Front tibiae with a terminal, claw-like spur (17) . . . 32
Front tibiae not with a terminal claw-like spur. ... 2

2. Pulvilli vestigial or wanting, ...... 3

Pulvilli normal (the hind pair rarely shortened). ... 5

3. Third joint of antennae with an arista or aristiform style; abdomen

very slender; hind femora much elongated and clubbed at ex-
tremity (Leptogastrinae) (1, 2, 3). . . Leptogaster.
Antennae not with a terminal arista. ..... 4

4. Claws very long, with an elongated tooth at the base of each claw;

large species (5) Dicranus.

Claws normal; smaller species Ablautus.

198

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

5. Antennae with a slender, terminal arista (4). . Damalis.
Antennae with or without a terminal style, the latter sometimes

simulating antennal joints. 6

6. Only four posterior cells present; front very broad above; small

species. Townsendia.

Five posterior cells as usual. ....... 7

7. Head narrow, about as high as broad; face narrow above, broader

and swollen below, in large part covered with hair; large, elong-
ate species. ......... 7

Head very obviously broader than high. . . 10

8. Antennae with a terminal style 9

Third joint of antennae long, without visible style; fourth poste-
rior cell closed before the border of the wing; black species,
with or without red on the abdomen. . . Ospriocerus.

9. Style more than a fourth the length of the third antennal joint; a

row of trichostical bristles usually present; first posterior cell

usually closed {Scleropogoti) (6, 37). . Stenopogon.

Style about one-sixth the length of the third joint; trichostical

bristles usually absent Stenopogon.

10. Fourth posterior cell closed in or before the margin of the wing. 11
Fourth posterior cell wide open, rarely nearly closed. . 16

11. Antenna; much elongated, apparently composed of five joints. 17
Antennae less elongated; style of antennae small or vestigial, not

simulating antennal joints 13

12. Face bare except on oral margin; large or very large species. 12
Face hairy or bristly 14

13. Vein posterior to the second posterior cell continuous or nearly so

with the fourth vein beyond the discal cell, the last section of
the fourth vein oblique, closing or much narrowing the first

posterior cell (7). Microstylum.

Last section of fourth vein continuous in nearly the same direction
with the penultimate section, the first posterior cell not closed
or narrowed (38). Archilestris.

14. Abdomen cylindrical*, not narrowed at tip, elongate ; near the

proximal margin of the second and third segments with a white_

* Compare here Sphageus; I do not know the genus and can not
locate it more precisely from the description.

ASIUD^. I9g

pollinose, emarginate cross-band; wings dark; males very differ-
ent in coloration from the females (40). . . Dizonias.
Abdomen less elongate, with five or six white-pollinose en-tire or
interrupted cross-bands.* 15

15. Style of antennae vestigial ; veins at outer side of the discal and

fourth posterior cells parallel or nearly so (8, 34). Psilocurus.
Style distinct, though small: veins at outer side of discal and
fourth posterior cells not at all parallel; marginal cell narrowly
closed or open; first posterior cell open, closed or narrowed;
face gently or not at all convex, more or less clothed with hair.
(Tric/ist) (9) Laphystia.

16. Antennas elongate, composed of five joints; nearly bare species of

considerable size. . . . . . . . . 17

Antennae less elongate or rather short, the third joint with or
without a short or slender style; no spine on upper side of third
joint. ........... 19

17. First joint of antennae about three times the length of the second,

third elongate, fourth and fifth of nearly equal length; third

and fourth at their tip with two lobes or processes reaching to

about the middle of the following joint (11). Myelaphus.

Third and fourth antennal joints not lobed at tip. . . 18

18. First and second joints of antennaeof nearly equal length, the

third elongate, fourth short, fifth elongate and densely pubes-
cent (IO). Ceraturgus.

First four joints of antennae as in preceding, the fifth oval, with
a short lateral spine. ..... Ceraturgopsis.

19. Style of antennae short, thick, obtuse, not easily distinguishable

from the third joint, or, if so, forming apparent antennal joints;
antennae more or less elongate. ..... 20

Terminal style of the antennae more slender than the third joint,
divergent or easily distinguishable; antennae usually shorter. 22

20. Nearly bare species; face flattened, bare, save below. Small or

rather small species, for the most part shining or metallic black, .
with narrow or cylindrical abdomen and large wings. . 21

* If thorax and abdomen yellow and black, without pollinose cross-
bands, the wings conspicuously orange-colored and blackish, Cacoda>-
mon (Prolepsis) S. A.

t The so-called species of Triclis and Laphystia are very variable,
and I doubt their generic distinction, notwithstanding the open or
closed first posterior cell.

200 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

More pilose species, the bristles few and hair-like; antenna;
springing from a convexity, the facial profile thence receding
to the tubercle, which is situated low down; abdomen short,
head rather narrow. ...... Dicolonus.

21. All the tibiae and the hind femora with short, strong seta?.

Ech.thod.opa.
Hind femora, at least, without such setae (12). . Dioctria.

22. Abdomen slender; front broad anteriorly, very narrow behind,

the ocelli far forward. Plesioma.

Front not narrowed behind. ....... 23

23. Face distinctly swollen in profile, gibbous. 24
Face flattened, or gently convex. ...... 25

24. Rather or quite thickly pilose; the gibbosity of the face reaches to

the base of the antennae; anal cell usually open. Cyrtopogon.
Thinly pilose, more pollinose species; the convexity of the face is
confined to the lower part; anal cell usually closed.

Lasiopogon.

25. Hind tibiae distally and the hind metatarsi much thickened. 26
Hind tibiae not or but slightly thickened distally; hind metatarsi

not enlarged. ......... 27

26. Head much broader than high, transverse, goggle-like in appear-

ance; abdomen short; wings large (compare Metapogon) (36).

Holcocephala.

Head only moderately broader than high, not at all spectacle-like

in appearance. ....... Holopogon.

27. Abdomen with thick, recumbent pile above; thickly pilose spe-

cies; antennae slender Pycnopogon.

Abdomen not with such pile above. ..... 28

28. Slender, nearly bare species; face perpendicular, straight or gently

concave in profile, narrowed above, and bare, except on oral
margin. .......... 29

Face gently rounded, not prominent below, in large part hairy,
and but slightly or not narrowed above. ... 30

29. Thickly whitish pollinose ; abdomen flattened, usually reflected

upward; third joint of antennae and the style both slender.

Stichopogon.

Less thickly pollinose; abdomen cylindrical, a little broader at the

base; third joint of antennae short and broad, the style minute.

"Habropogon".

ASIUDiE. 201

30. Large, elongate species, the style of antennae short. Callinicus.
Moderately large, not markedly elongate species. . , 31

31. Abdomen broader at base, depressed; thorax often strongly con-

vex above, antennae slender, the style long and slender (com-
pare also species of Cyrtopogon and Metapogon) .

Heteropogon.
Abdomen short, cylindrical; black, with bright golden, opaque
pollinose markings on thorax and abdomen (39).

Chrysoceria.

32. Face bare, with bristles on oral margin, in profile straight or gen-

tly concave, the oral margin most prominent. 33

Face convex below, the oral margin not the most prominent, more

or less covered with hair. ....... 35

33. Fourth posterior cell closed a considerable distance before the

margin of the wing; antennae without style. ... 34
Fourth posterior cell open or closed in the margin. Saropogon.

34. Posterior pulvilli much shorter than the elongated claws; abdomen

contracted toward the base (13)*. . . Blepharepium.

Posterior pulvilli not much shorter than the claws; abdomen not

contracted toward the baset (14,15). . . Deromyia.

35. Third joint of the antennae more or less dilated, the style very

short (16). Lestomyia.

Third joint of antennae slender, elongate. .... 36

36. Head broad and flat, the face not gibbous. .... 37
Face convex, densely covered with hair; thickly hairy species.

Lastaurus.

37. Third joint of the antennae with an excision on the upper border

before the tip, bearing a small spine; abdomen punctnlate (17,

18) {Dioctrodes Coq.) Taracticus.J

Third antennal joint with a small terminal style; abdomen smooth,
not punctulate. ......... 38

38. Abdomen flattened, in the male a little broader beyond the mid-

dle; in the male near the tip, the last two segments conspicu-
ously silvery above (20) ...... Nicocles.

Abdomen of male not flattened and silvery distally (19) .

Cophura.

* If abdomen not contracted toward the base, the scutellum with
bristles, Al/opogoti, S. Amer.

t If abdomen contracted toward the base, the scutellum without
bristles Sftiobasis {Locfiites), S. Amer.

% T. vitripennis and T. niger, with a large two-jointed style, and
without lateral spine, must be separated generically.

20

202 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Ul'HRIN^E.

Marginal cell closed, antenna with or without a terminal style, n<>t with <>

ii rminal bristle.

i. Front tibiae with a terminal, claw-like spur. .... 2
Front tibiae not with such spur. ...... 3

2. Thorax projecting prominently in front (21, 41). Pseudorus.
Thorax not projecting prominently in front.* . Doryclus.

3. Veins at distal ends of the discal and fourth posterior cells paral-

lel or continuous in the same straight line. ... 4

Veins at distal ends of discal and fourth posterior cells very dis-
tinctly angulated and not parallel. ..... 7

4. Third joint of antennae with a terminal style, in length greater

than the first two together; eyes not or but slightly emarginated
on the sides of the front, the front much wider above; scutellum

without bristles, or with hairs: small species (42). Atonia.
Third antennal joint without terminal style. ... 5

5. Third joint of antennae at least three times as long as the first two

together; rather large species. . , . . Aphestia.

Third antennal joint not more than twice the length of the first

two combined; small species. . . ... . . 6

6. First antennal joint more than twice the length of the second; front

much widened above, the eyes disciform and with enlarged fa-
cets in front; scutellum with weak bristles ; body punctulate

(44 1. Cerotainia.

Third joint of antennae not more than twice the length of the sec-
ond; eyes on the sides of the front emarginate, the front not
widened above; scutellum with bristles; first posterior cell usu-
ally narrowed; body punctulate (22, 43) . . Atomosia.

7. Three submarginal cells present; first posterior cell closed or nar-

rowed (23). Pogonosoma.

Two submarginal cells. ........ 8

8. Antennae with a distinct terminal style. .... 9
Antennae not with a terminal style. ..... 10

9. Rather small, nearly bare species, with pollinose spots or lascias

on the abdomen; first posterior cell open or closed (see Dasypo-
goninae, 16; Laphyslia.)

* The distinction between these two genera seems doubtful to me.
Megapoda is a distinct genus, characterized by the hind tibiae and
metatarsi not being thickened; the name is not preoccupied.

ASIUD.E. 203

Very large, robust, thickly hairy species; first posterior cell nar-
row throughout; hind femora of nearly equal thickness through-
out {Hyperechia) 24 Dasylechia.

10. Densely pilose , large species, the abdomen short and broad, usu-

ally broader beyond the middle (25) . . . . Dasyllis.

More elongate, less hairy or nearly bare species, the abdomen not

distinctly broader beyond the middle. . . . .11

11. Body nearly bare; hind femora usually with spinous tubercles be-

low; species of rather moderate size (45) . . . Lampria.
Body more or less hairy, from rather small to large size; first pos-
terior cell often narrowed or closed (Nusa) ; hind femora not
with spinous tubercles below (26, 46). . . Laphria.

asilin^;.

Marginal cell cloned; antenna, always with a long terminal arista. (32.)

1. Bristle of antennae pectinate below (27). . . Ommatius.
Bristle of antennae bare. ........ 2

2. The veins closing the discal and fourth posterior cell in the same

straight line or parallel. • Atractia.

The veins closing the discal and fourth posterior cells not parallel. 3

3. The posterior branch of the third vein curves forward to meet the

costa at or before the tip of the wing; or the anterior branch of

the third vein angulated near its origin, with stump, or both. 4

The posterior branch of third vein terminates beyond the tip of the

wing; the anterior branch without stump. .... 6

4. Ovipositor cylindrical, with a terminal circlet of spines. . 5
Ovipositor laterally compressed, without terminal circlet of spines

(fig. 74) Erax.

5. Abdomen shorter than the wings (28) . . . . Eccritosia.
Abdomen longer than the wings (28) . . . Proctacanthus.

6. Two submarginal cells. ....... Asilus.*

Three submarginal cells. ........ 7

7. Abdomen shorter than the wings; body thickly pilose; claws obtuse

(29) Mallophora.

Abdomen longer than the wings; body thinly pilose; claws more
pointed ( 30, 31, 32). Promachus.

* In general the subdivisions of the old genus Asilusaxe very vague

204 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

SUBGENERA OF ASII.US.

a. Ovipositor laterally compressed. b

Ovipositor conical. b

b. Third antenna! joint unusually hairy*. . Anarmostus.
Third antennal joint not unusually hairy. . . . . c

c. Face without gibbosity, narrow throughout, not at all carinate,

the mystax composed of a few long hairs. Senoprosopis.
Face with gibbosity, or not unusually narrow. d

d. Posterior border of the last ventral segment in the male more or

less widened Machimus.

Posterior border of the last ventral segment of the male not un-
usually widened. ........ e

e. Legs prevailing shining yellow in color. Heligmoneura.
Legs prevailingly black, or light and opaque colored. . f

f. Abdomen shining black above and below. Stilpnogaster.
Abdomen not shining black above and below. . . . g

g. Male genitalia clubdike Neoitamus.

Male genitalia not club-like; the sixth and seventh segments

take no part in the formation of the female ovipositor.

Tolmerus.
h. Abdominal segments with bristles before the incisures.

Philonicus.t
Abdominal segments not with bristles before the incisures, i

i. Bright-colored, larger species Asilus.

Small, ashy gray species Rhadiurgus.

and hard to define, and many of them are doubtfully entitled to recog-
nition. At the most, few if any of them are based upon«real generic
characters, and the names are only useful as aids in the determination
of the numerous forms.

The groups Epitripttts, Lophonotus and NeoSristicus have also
been reported from Central America by Hellardi and Bigot, but there
is doubt as to their correct reference.

* The only reported species of Anarmostus is from Brazil and Brit-
ish Honduras. It has the abdomen deep steel blue and black, the
wings deep steel blue (l6 mm.)

t Loew. Linn. Knt. 144; Philodicus Loew, Dipt. f. S. Afr. p. 144.

XXII. Family THEREVIDiE.

Fig. 79. Thereva senex, enlarged. After Lugger.

Rather small or moderate sized, elongate (American
forms), bristly, sometimes pilose, predaceous flies. Eyes
of the male contiguous or approximated; front in the
female not excavated. Antennae composed of three
joints, the third simple, with a terminal style, sometimes
wanting. Proboscis projecting, the labella broad; palpi
two-jointed. Ocelli present. Abdomen elongate, geni-
talia moderately or but little prominent. Legs with bris-
tles; empodia wanting; pulvilli rarely wanting. Third
longitudinal vein of the wings furcate, the posterior
branch terminating beyond the tip of the wing; five pos-
terior cells, anal cell usually closed toward the margin

of the wing.

205

206 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

The family comprises about two hundred known spe-
cies, with but few widely distributed genera. The flies
resemble the Asilidae somewhat, and have habits not
dissimilar, though much less active. The proboscis has
fleshy labella, instead of the horny tip of the Asilidae,
and the legs are less stout — in many species they are
easily broken off when captured. Their food is chiefly
other diptera, for which they lie in wait upon leaves and
bushes, or upon the bare ground. The larvae have a
short, eyeless, nonretractile head, the antennae small and
short. The body is slender and snake-like, showing ap-
parently nineteen segments. Anterior spiracles situated
at the end of the first segment behind the head; poste-
rior spiracles on the apparently seventeenth segment.
The larvae live in the earth and decomposing wood, or
in sand, feeding upon other insects or upon vegetable
matter, ordure, etc. The pupae are free; they have in
front laterally projecting spinous points.

The genera of this family are, for the most part, very
unsatisfactorily founded. Few structural differences ex-
ist, save in the antennae and proboscis, and these differ-
ences seem usually to have specific value only. Five
genera have been proposed for North American species;
each contains a single species, and in all probability
there never will be any additions to them. On the other
hand Thereva and Psilocephala, with numerous species, are
doubtfully distinguished by the vestiture of the face!
If the smaller genera are recognized, at least one or
two more should be formed for those species of Thereva
having a thickened first autennal joint ( T. melanophcba
Loew, T. crassicornis Bell., T. pachyccras, n.n. for T.
crassicornis Will. ) The closure or non-closure of the
fourth posterior cell occurs in both genera and compli-
cates matters. The division of the first posterior cell in

THEREVID.E.

207

Metaphragma is, I believe, purely a specific character,
and will not be found in allied species.

Fig. 80. Therevidae. 1, Tabuda, head; 2, Psilocephala, wing: 3,
Psilocephala, antenna.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. First antennal joint much thickened and elongate. . . 2
First antennal joint not noticeably thickened. ... 5

2. Head not as broad as long; vertical diameter of the eyes equaling

the horizontal diameter; eyes of male dichoptic. Nebritus.
Head distinctly broader than long. ...... 3

3. Third antennal joint about one-third the length of the first; fourth

posterior cell open. ........ 4

Third antennal joint more or less elongated. . Thereva, pt.

4. First posterior cell divided by a cross-vein. . Metaphragma.
First posterior cell not divided by a cross-vein (f Pachyrhiza,

? Baryphora) (1). . • . . . . Tabuda.

5. Third joint of the antennae about four times the length of the first;

without style; fourth posterior cell closed; front of male broadly

dichoptic Henicomyia.

Third joint of antennas not four times the length of the first; fourth
posterior cell open or closed. ...... 6

6. Face bare; usually more bare and shining species (2, 3) {Ozodi-

ceromyia) Psilocephala.

Face distinctly pubescent or hairy; usually more pilose and polli-
nose species. (Fig. 80; also fig. 15, p. 42, not Rhyphus.)

Thereva.

XXIII. Family SCENOPINID^.

Flies of moderate or small size; generally black in
color and bare. Front not excavated: face bare, short
and broad. Antennae approximated at the base, the first
two joints short, the third elongated, simple, without
style or arista. Proboscis concealed; palpi cylindrical,
bristly at the tip. Ocelli present. Males usually holoptic.
Thorax rather long, moderately convex, though appar-
ently much so from the low position of the head. Scutel-
lum broad and short, without spines or tubercles. Ab-
domen flattened, or cylindrical, composed of seven
segments. Squamae small. Empodia wanting. Third
longitudinal vein of the wing furcate; basal cells long,
the first much longer than the second; three posterior
cells, the first narrowed in, or closed before the margin;
anal cell closed.

Fig. Si. Scenotrinidae, i, Set' nop in us, wing; 2, Sce>wf>i>ius, head;
3, Metatrichia, wing; 4, ]\Ict atrichia, head; 5, Pseudalrichia, wing.

The larvae resemble closely those of the Therevidae.
They are very long and slender, having apparently nine-

208

SCENOPINID.E. 209

teen segments, due to each of the abdominal segments
except the last being partially divided by a strong con-
striction. The larvae have been found in decaying fungi
and wood and under carpets or in furniture, and are sup-
posed to be carnivorous. The flies are not very active
in their habits, and because of the frequency with which
some are observed on window-panes are usually called
window-flies.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. First posterior cell open (1,2) Scenopinus.

First posterior cell closed before the margin of the wing. . 2

2. Body short, clothed with scales (3, 4). . . Metatrichia.
Body elongate, without scales (5). . . . Pseudatrichia.

XXIV. Family BOM RYLIID.-E.

Fij<. 84. Bombylius major, enlarged. After Washburn.

Rather large to small flies; often with abundant, long
and delicate hair, rarely with conspicuous bristles. Head
as broad as, or narrower than the thorax, often spheri-
calin shape, closely applied to the thorax. Eyes large,
often contiguous above in the male, and rarely also in
the female. Antennae porrect, usually of moderate length
or quite small; third joint simple; style usually small
and indistinct, never more than two-jointed, and some-
times wholly indistinguishable. Ocelli present. Probos-
cis sometimes short, with broad labella; usually project-
ing from the oral cavity, sometimes long and slender.
Abdomen composed of from six to eight visible segments,
slender in a few genera only. Legs moderately long and
weak, with short, weak bristles or spines. Pulvilli

2li)

Fig. 82. Oncodocera, sp. (Brazil).
Fig. 83. Systropus, sp. (Brazil).

bombyuim;. 211

sometimes rudimentary, the empodia almost always so;
tarsi and claws usually small. Squamse small. Wings
often with dark markings; two or more submarginal,*
three or four, rarely fivef posterior cells present; discal
cell present in all our genera (absent in Apolysa, Cyrtosia);
anal cell closed in or near the margin, or narrowly open.

The family Bombyliidae
comprises about fifteen hun-
dred known species. Most
of them are swift-flying in-
sects, often hovering motion-
less in the air for a time and
darting away like a flash.

They seek sunny places in
Fig. 85. Exoprosopa,&a., en- ,.. , , , , ,

larged one half. After Kellogg, woodland roads, about blos-
soms or on rank vegetation.
The Anthracinse are a group especially characteristic of
arid regions. In general the members of the family are
prettily and delicately marked, and their life histories
are often very interesting. In the adult state they are

* The aberrant genus Mythicomyia described as an empidid, may
possibly belong in this family. Without expressing an opinion as to
its real relationships, it will be easily recognized by its very short
second longitudinal vein, and its single submarginal cell. See figs.
25 and 26, and fig. 12 of the Empididae.

t The presence of but four posterior cells in most members of this
family, as doubtless in other forms having a like number, is due to
the loss of the vein between the third and fourth cells, and not to the
coalescence of veins. Certain species of Anthrax, and perhaps of
other genera, have this vein persistent or vestigial. In those species
having but three posterior cells the reduced number is likewise due to
the loss of the vein between the second and third cells, so that the
second posterior cell in such forms is really the coalesced second, third
and fourth posterior cells (see figs. 1 and 21). This does not accord
with the Comstock-Needham system of nomenclature, but I believe is
certainly demonstrable.

2 12

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

BOMBYLIID^B. 2I3

flower flies, feeding upon the pollen and honey within
the blossoms, extracted by aid of their often long probos-
cis. The larvae of species of Aphcsbantus and Systcechus,
occurring in western America, are found in the egg-pods
of the locust, Caloptenus spretus. 'The larvae begin to
transform themselves into the pupa state early in the
summer, and the pupa pushes itself half way out of the
ground in order to disclose the fly. They continue to
issue during the summer months. Aphoebantiis is first
observed as a yellowish white grub, about half an inch
long when extended, it being usually curved so that the
head -and tail nearly meet. It is usually found in a case
of locust eggs which it has devoured, pushing the empty
shells aside, and at last occupying the space where were
twenty-one to thirty-six eggs. Often it is found in a lit-
tle space below a number of egg-cases, as though it had
feasted off the contents of several nests' (Riley). The
larvae of Anthrax have been found parasitic upon Mega-
chile, Osmia, Odynerus, Mamestra, Noctua and Agrotis ;
those of Spogostylum upon Pelopeeus, Megachile, Cemonus,
Osmia, Cicindela and Calicodoma; those of Bombylius upon
Andrena and Collettes; those of Toxophora upon Eunienes;
those of Callostoma in the egg-cases of Caloptenus italicce;
those of Systropus upon Limacodes.

Fig. 86. Bombyliidae. i, Anthrax, wing; i, Hyperalonia, wing;
3, Exoprosopa, wing; 4, Exoprosopa, hind claw; 5, Spogostylum,
antenna; 6, Anthrax, antenna; 7, 8, Exoprosopa, antennae; 9, Bom-
bylius, wing; 10, Pantarbes, wing; 11, Pantarbes, antenna, 12, Sys-
toechus, wing; 13, Lordotus, wing; 14, Lordotus, antenna; 15, Phthi-
ria, wing; 16, Phthiria, antenna; 17, Sparnopolius, antenna; 18,
Geron, wing; 19, 20, Geron, antennas; 21, Toxophora, wing; 22, Tox-
ophora, antenna; 23, Systropus, wing; 24, Systropus, antenna; 25,
Mythicomyia, wing; 26, Mylhicomyia, antenna.

21

2i4 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

TABLE OF OENERA.
i. The bifurcation of the second and third veins takes place opposite
or nearly opposite the anterior cross-vein, the distance not ex-
ceeding the length of the cross-vein; the second vein forms a
knee at its origin, the third vein in a straight line with the pre-
fnrca. ........... 2

The bifurcation of the second and third veins takes place at a
greater distance from the cross-vein, usually at an acute angle. 12

2. Antennal style distinct, that is it is separated from the third joint

or the styliform prolongation of the joint by a distinct suture. 3

The third joint not with a distinct, suturally separated style, the

style when present very minute. ..... 7

3. Antennal style with a pencil of hairs at the tip; pulvilli distinct;

front tibiae with bristles. ....... 4

Antennal style not terminating in a pencil of hairs; three or four
submarginal cells present. ....... 5

4. Outer submarginal cell bisected by a cross-vein (Coquilletlia,

preoc.) Spogrostylum.

Outer submarginal cell not bisected by a cross-vein; the anterior
branch of the third vein sometimes connected with the second
by a cross-vein forming three submarginal cells {Argyramceba)
(5) Spog-ostylum.

5. Pulvilli distinct (IO, 10a, p. 80) Aldrichia.

Pulvilli vestigial or wanting. ..*.... 6

6. Outer submarginal cell divided by a cross-vein, making four sub-

marginal cells (2) Hyperalonia.

Outer submarginal cell not divided by a cross-vein: posterior claws
with a basal tooth (fig. 85, 3, 4, 8) . . Exoprosopa.

7. Eyes of male contiguous at the vertex; anal cell closed.

Astrophanes.
Eyes of male not contiguous at vertex; anal cell open.- . . 8

8. Anal cell widest at the middle. ...... 9

Anal cell widest at the margin Mancia.

9. The second vein strongly contorted at the distal end in the shape

of a recumbent letter S; three submarginal cells present.

Dipalta.

The second vein not so contorted at end. .... 10

10. Three submarginal cells normally present; proboscis elongate

(Stonvx) Anthrax.

Two submarginal cells normally present. .... n

BOMBYUIDvE.

215

1 1 . The contact of the discal cell with the third posterior not much

longer than its contact with the fourth posterior; proboscis long;
sides of the abdomen with a fringe of scales and not with hairs

only. . Lepidanthrax.

The contact of the discal cell with the third posterior at least twice
as long as its contact with the fourth posterior; the latter con-
tact often merely punctiform (1, 6) . . . . Anthrax.

12. Wings with three posterior cells. ...... 39

Wings with four posterior cells 13

13. First posterior cell closed, or at most very narrowly open (Para-

bomby Hits) . ......... 14

First posterior cell open. ....... 21

14. t Three submarginal cells. . . . . . . . 15

Two submarginal cells. ........ 16

15. Head broader than thorax; posterior orbits not excised (10, 11).

Pantarbes.
Head narrower than thorax, posterior orbits excised.

Triplasius.

16. First basal cell longer than the second. .... 17
First basal cell not longer than the second; the anterior cross-vein

situated near the base of discal cell. ..... 20

17. Proboscis very short, not protruding beyond oral margin; anal

cell usually closed; frontal triangle of male large, the eyes nar-
rowly contiguous; large species (Anisotamia) . Oncodocera.
Proboscis more or less elongate; anal cell usually open. . 18

18. First posterior cell closed at some distance from the border of the

wing 19

First posterior cell narrowed, or closed in or near the border of the
wing; front with a silvery spot on each side below; rather small
species (5-8 mm) Parabombylius.*

19. Head comparatively small; the emargination of the occipital orbits

almost imperceptible (fig. 84, 9). . . . Bombylius.
Head broad; emargination of the occipital orbits distinct.

Heterostylum.

20. Face thickly clothed with pile. . . . Anastcechus.
Face sparsely clothed with pile (12). . . Systcechus.

* Bombylius ater, syndesmus, albopemcillatus, dolorosus.

2I6 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTRRA.

21. Two submarginal cells present. ...... 26

Three submarginal cells. . . . . . . . 22

22. Hare species; tibiae without bristles; abdomen narrow.

Amphicosmus.
More or less pilose species; tibiae with bristles. ... 23

23. Antennae as long as the head, the third joint not longer than the

first two together. ........ 24

Antennae shorter than the head; the third joint twice as long as
the first two together. Exepacmus.

24. First antenna! joint not thickened. ..... 25

First antenna! joint extraordinarily thickened. . . Ploas.

25. 'Scntellum deeply snlcate longitudinally'. . . Geminaria.
Scutellum convex; not snlcate (13, 14) . . . Lordotus.

26. Anal cell open 29

Anal cell closed. ......... 27

27. Proboscis short; frontal triangle of male large (fig. 82).

Oncodocera.
Proboscis elongate. ..*,...* 28

28. Third joint of the antennae with long bristly hairs; face with long

hair Acreotrichus.

Third joint of antennae without, or with short bristly hairs above;
face bare or short pilose (15, 16). . . . Phthiria.

29. Body clothed with more scales than hairs, gibbons; antennae long,

the first joint unusually long (20, 21, p. 80 1. Lepidophora.
Body clothed chiefly with hair, or nearly bare. ... 30

30. Alulae wholly wanting; thorax and posterior margins of the ab-

dominal segments with bristles; all the tibia.' with bristles; first

and third antenna! joints subequal. . Sphenoidoptera-

Plies not having the above assemblage of characters. . . 31

31. Body more or less pilose; tibiae usually bristly. ... 32
Body bare; tibise bare or feebly bristly. .... 37

32. Both basal cells of nearly equal length (17). Sparnopolius.
First basal cell distinctly longer than the second. . . 33

33. Third antenna! joint but little longer than the first; mesonotum

of male sometimes muricate and the costa denticulate (19, p. 80) .

Eclimus.

BOMBYLIID^E. 2Iy

Third joint of antennae more than twice the length of the first,
bulbous at the base. ........ 34

34. The origin of the second section of the second vein is before the

proximal end of the discal cell in an acute angle.. . . 35
The origin of the second section of the second vein is beyond the
proximal end of the discal cell and is rectangular.

Desmatoneura.

35. Third antennal joint scarcely longer than wide. . Eucessia.
Third antennal joint much longer than wide. ... 36

36. Face projecting in profile. ..... Epacmus.

Face retreating in profile Aphcebantus.

37. Ocellar tubercle situated near vertex. ..... 38

Ocellar tubercle situated near middle of front. Metacosmus.

38. Antennae elongate, third joint flattened, the style broad and dis-

tinctly composed of two segments (8, 9, p. 80, type) .

Desmatomyia.
Antennae not elongated nor with such a style. Paracosmus.

39. Slender, elongate species, with slender legs. ... 40
Shorter, more thick-set species, the abdomen never cylindrical. 41

40. Both males and female holoptic; abdomen enlarged at extremity

(fig. 82, 23, 24) Systropus.

Males holoptic, the females dichoptic; abdomen cylindrical, not
enlarged at extremity (11, p. 80) . . . Dolichomyia.

41. Three submarginal cells. ....... 42

Two submarginal cells (18, 19, 20) Geron.

42. Body clothed with more scales than hairs, usually with thoracic

bristles; abdomen decumbent; antennae long (21, 22).

Toxophora.
Body clothed chiefly with hair; abdomen not decumbent.

Rhabdopselaphus.

XXV. Family KMPIDIDiE.

BY PROF. A. I.. MKLANHKR.

Flies ranging in size from three-fourths of a millimeter
to fifteen millimeters, though rarely more than ten milli-
meters in length. Head more or less spherical, loosely
connected with the thorax. Males holoptic or dichoptic,
the front never excavated. Ocelli present. Antennae
porrect, approximated at their base, composed of two or
three simple joints; third joint variable in shape, with or
without a terminal style or arista, the latter rarely dor-
sal in position. Face without mystax, or fringe-like
row of bristles on the oral margin. Proboscis short or
long, usually rigid, projecting downward, forward or
backward. Thorax sometimes very convex. Male geni-
talia usually prominent and of complicated structure;
ovipositor simple. Squamae small. Legs usually slender,
often with structural peculiarities, such as the coxae or
femora lengthened, femora or tibiae thickened and spiu-
ose, or with projections or fringes of scales, the metatarsi
flattened, etc. Pulvilli usually distinct ; empodia usually
membranous and linear. Venation variable; discal cell
occasionally absent; the third longitudinal vein furcate
or not; three or four posterior cells present, anal cell
longer or shorter than the second basal cell, closed be-
fore the margin of the wing, sometimes wholly wanting.*

The family limpididce is a large and complex one, iu-

* Hilar imorpha and AfytAicomyia (fig. 12, and figs. 25, 26 Bomby-
liidse 1 have been included in the Bmpididse. Hoth of these genera have
the anal cell narrowly open or closed in the border and are wholly
bristleless. The Former genus will be found under the Leptidae; the

latter is figured with die Bmnbyliid.e.

2l8

EMPIDID.^.

219

Fig. 87. Einpididae. 1, Hybos; 2, Toreus; 3, Hesperempis; 4, Oreo-
geton; 5, Prorates; 6, Heleodromia; 7, Ocydromia; 8, Coloboneura; 9,
Toreus, antenna; \o, Prorates, antenna; 11, Hesperempis, antenna;
12, Mythicomyia. Drawings bv A. h. Melander.

220 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTBRA."

eluding many genera and species. Most of the species
can be recognized ,by their spherical head, large eyes,
"piercing proboscis, large thorax and slender legs and
abdomen. Some of the minute forms resemble certain of
the Platypezidoe or smaller muscids. The members of
the family are for the most part modest in coloration,
gray, blackish or reddish; a few tropical forms are me-
tallic. They are all predaceous, preying upon smaller
flies, which they impale on their proboscis. Microphorus
and Anthaha and their allies, are common visitors to
flowers. Some species of Rhamphomyia, Empis and Hilara
dance in the air in immense swarms. The species of Clino-
cera are sluggish, and ma}' be found along the banks of
streams. Tachydromia runs swiftly over stones in search of
pre}-. Some species of Hilara and Empis construct peculiar
frothy balloons at mating time. The peculiar armature
of the legs is mostly a sexual characteristic possessed by
the males. Empididae are especially abundant in moun-
tainous, damp and woody regions during the early sum-
mer; they are pre-eminently a boreal group. In dry
regions they are rare, perhaps a result of the dominance
of the related but more powerful Asilidae.

The larvae of this family are nearly cylindrical, taper-
ing anteriorly, with a very small and partly retracted
head. The abdominal segments have more or less promi-
nent prolegs. The larvae live in decaying vegetable mat-
ter or in running streams; the pupae are free. The early
stages of Kinpididae are but little known.

TABLE OF GENERA.

I. Anal cell wanting or incomplete; discal cell always united with
the second basal; three posterior cells; third longitudinal vein
simple; antennae two or three-jointed; femora often thickened
and mncronate below. * . . . . Tachydromiinae.
Anal cell complete; or, if incomplete, the front coxse are greatly
lengthened; often lour posterior cells; third longitudinal vein
often furcate. 2

EMPIDIDiE.

221

Fig. 88. Empididae. 13, Oreothalia, wing; 14, Blepharoprocta, wing;
15, Microdromia, wing; 16, Tachypeza, wing; 17, Lamprewpis, wing;
18, Tachypeza, front leg; 19, Drapehs, wing; 20, Drapetis, antenna;
21, Hvbos, wing; 22, Empis, wing; 23, Geron (Bombyliidae) , wing; 24,
Empimorpha, head; 25, Syneches, wing; 26, Neoplasta, wing; 27,
Hilar a, wing.

2. Anal angle of wing not projecting, the outline of wing nearly cunei-
form ; front coxae more or less lengthened ; proboscis short,
fleshy, or sharp and incurved. . . Hemerodromiinse.
Anal angle of wing more or less projecting, often rectangular;
wings not uniformly tapering to the base; front coxse not elon-
gate; proboscis usually rigid. ...... 3

222 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

3. Anal cross-vein forming a distinct angle with the basal part of the

anal vein ; proboscis rarely longer than head ; thorax often

large 4

Anal cross-vein recurved and confluent with the anal vein, or form-
ing part of the posterior side of the anal cell; proboscis often
elongate, rarely projecting forward ; antennae usually three-
jointed. . * Empidinse.

4. Anal cell as long as the second basal, or longer, its outer angle

acute. . , 5

Anal cell shorter than the second basal, its posterior angle obtuse
or the anal cross-vein perpendicular to the anal vein; proboscis
short, rarely porrect; thorax seldom excessively convex.

Ocydromiinae

5. The discal cell emits three veins; proboscis short, sharp and incurv-

ed; thorax comparatively small; antennae three-jointed.

Brachystomatinse.

The discal cell emits two veins; proboscis rigid, projecting forward;

thorax greatly arched; antennae two-jointed. Hybotinae.

TACHYDROMIIN^g.

1. Both the sixth vein and the anal cross-vein present, though some-

times feeble. ......... 2

Both the sixth vein and the anal cross-vein completely wanting. 3
(The sixth vein wanting, the anal cross-vein present; marginal cell

long along the costa; first basal cell shorter than the second;

front femora thickened; eyes contiguous below the antennae;

palpi small, with an apical bristle; humeri constricted from the

notum (16,18) Tachypeza.

2. Front and middle femora thickened; middle femora with a double

row of spines below; middle tibiae ending in a sharp spur; palpi

broad • Platypalpus.

Femora not thickened; middle legs without spurs and with minute '
or no spines; basal cells subequal. Symballophthalmus.

3. First and second basal cells nearly equal; eyes widely separated;

more or less pollinose species. ...... 4

First basal cell much shorter than the second; eyes contiguous be-
low the antennae; shining species. ..... 6

4. Arista dorsal; wings less than one-third the length of the abdomen.

Thinodromia.
Arista terminal or nearly so; wings surpassing the abdomen. 5

EMPIDIDJB. 223

5. Antennae three-jointed: legs thick and bristly (8). Colobcncva.
Antennae two-jointed; legs bnt little thickened and with few bris-
tles Chersodromia.

6. Arista dorsal; other characters as in Drapetis. . Stilpon.
Arista terminal or subterminal. ...... 7

7. Humeri not constricted from the mesonotum; thorax broader than

the abdomen; second longitudinal vein short, and gently curved
forward; the second and third sections of the costa subequal;

palpi broad (19,20) Drapetis.

Humeri constricted from the mesonotum; thorax not broader than
the abdomen; second longitudinal vein straight until near the
end; palpi narrow. ........ 8

8. Second longitudinal vein abruptly recurved at tip; second section

of costa shorter than the third. . . . Phoneutisca.

Marginal cell lengthened; second section of costa longer than the

third Tachydromia.

HEMERODROMIIN/U.

i. Front legs raptorial, the front coxae and femora subequal in

length; front femora and tibiae spinose below. ... 2

Legs very slender and without spines; front coxae not greatly

lengthened. .......... 3

2. Third longitudinal vein simple; discal cell emitting three posterior

veins; antennae with a long arista. . . . Ohelipoda.
Third longitudinal vein branched; antennae with a short style.

Hemerodromia.

a. Anal and discal cells present. ...... b

Discal cell open. ........ c

b. Second posterior cell pedunculate, subgenus Hemerodromia.
Pecond posterior cell sessile. . subgenus Cladodromia.

c. Anal cell wanting (15). . . subgenus Microdromia.
Anal cross-vein present. ....... d

d. Second posterior cell petiolate. . . subgenus Metachela.
Second posterior cell sessile (26). . subgenus Neoplasta

3. Proboscis short, sharp and incurved; outer antennal joint conical,

with a moderately long style; anal cross-vein perpendicular to
hind margin of wing. ........ 4

Proboscis vertical, usually soft; outer antennal joint short ovate,
with a lengthened arista; anal cell usually rounded at tip. 5

4. Second posterior cell netiolate. . . . Rcederiodes.
Second posterior cell sessile. .... Boreodromia.

224 N< )RTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

5. Third longitudinal vein simple. ...... 6

Third longitudinal vein branched. ...... 7

6. Anal cross-vein parallel with the hind margin of the wing (13).

Oreothalia.
Anal cross-vein perpendicular to the hind margin of the wing 16).

Heleodromia.

7. Head longer than broad, extending forward; wings brown with

numerous pale spots. .... Dolichocephala.
Head transverse, nearly vertical. .... Clinocera.

BRACHYSTOMATINiE.
Anterior branch of third vein terminates in the second vein (14i.

Blepharoprocta.
The anterior branch of the third vein terminates in the costa.

Bracbystoma.
HYBOTINjE.

1. Fourth vein forked; hind femora slender. .... 2
The discal cell emits two simple posterior veins; hind femora more

or less thickened; antenna; with a slender arista. . . 3

2. Third longitudinal vein furcate; noantennal style 1 5, 10) Prorates.
Third vein simple; antennae with a thickened style. Meghyperus.

3. The second vein arises near the base of the wing 1 25 1 . Syneches.
The second vein arises near the middle of the wing. . . 4

4. Vein between basal cells indistinct. ..." Syndyas.
Veins between basal cells strong (1, 21) . . . . Hybos.

OCYDROMIIN.K.

1. Discal cell present. ......... 2

Discal cell wanting. ......... 9

2. The discal cell emits three simple posterior veins. ... 3
First po>terior vein obsolete; antennae with a long, slender arista. 8

3. Third antennal joint short, ovate, pointed, with a long arista; third

longitudinal vein simple. .... Parathalassius.
Antenna; with a short, thick style 4

4. Third longitudinal vein furcate; last antennal joint short and broad.

Hormopeza.
Third vein simple. .•.•..... 5

5. Hind femora spinoss below, thickened; hind tibiae shortened, bow-

ed near the knee; last antennal joint large. . Oedalea.

KMPIDID^. 225

Hind legs slender and not spinose 6

6. Last antennal joint short and broad, with a short, thick style; pro-

boscis short. , Anthalia.

Last antennal joint lanceolate or elongate cylindrical; its style
short. ........... 7

7. Proboscis rigid, directed forward, about as long as height of head.

Euthyneura.
Proboscis short, fleshy, not directed forward. . . Trichina.

8. Last antennal joint conical, arista terminal. . Leptopeza.
Last antennal joint oval, arista subdorsal. (7) . Ocydromia.

9. Fourth and fifth longitudinal veins weak, sometimes confluent ba-

sally Bicellaria.

All longitudinal veins strong, simple; hind metatarsi thickened;
last antennal joint oval. .... Microsania.

EMPIDIN^.

1. Third longitudinal vein simple. 2

Third vein furcate. ......... 5

2. Proboscis not longer than height of head, porrect; outer antennal

joint attenuated beyond the broad base and with an elongated

style Microphorus.

Proboscis longer than height of head; antennae plainly three-
jointed. .......... 3

3. Proboscis porrect; third antennal joint long and slender; its style

minute. Anthepiscopus.

Proboscis rigid, projectingdownward; third antennal joint conical. 4

4. Face bare Rhamphomyia.

Face hairy. Neocota.

5. Metapleurse bearing a cluster of hairs or bristles. ... 6
Metapleurse bare 10

6. Proboscis longer than height of head, rigid. .... 7
Proboscis short and fleshy (4). . . . . Oreogeton.

7. First antennal joint elongate, third antennal joint subcylindrical,

with a minute style; mesonotum without bristles; color metallic

(17) Lamprempis.

First antennal joint not elongate; third joint conical, with a longer,
thickened style; mesonotum with bristles; color rarely metallic. 8

22

226 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

S. Legs robust, all the femora of nearly equal length; males dichoptie.

Pachymeria.

Hind legs longer than the others, their femora but little thickened;

males sometimes holoptic. ....... 9

9. hare hairy (24) Empimorpha.

Pace bare (22) Empis.

10. Auxiliary vein short, recurved at its end to meet the costa; pro-

boscis shorter than height of head; front metatarsi of male

usually swollen (27). Hilara.

Auxiliary vein straight, extending to near the middle of the wing,
evanescent at its tip so as not to meet the costa; male front me-
tatarsi but rarely swollen. . . . . . . . 11

11. Body and legs without bristles; the costal vein encompasses the

entire wing. ......... 12

Body and legs with bristles. ....... 13

12. Proboscis much longer than head (2,9). . . . Toreus.
Proboscis shorter than head (3, 11) . . . Hesperempis.

13. Proboscis porrect, about as long as height of head; palpi prom-

inent; nearly as long as the proboscis; third antenna! joint

nearly cylindrical, its style minute; hypopygium usually with

a pair of dorsal processes; males holoptic. . Iteaphila.

Proboscis shorter; males dichoptie. ..... 14

14. Third antennal joint short oval, with a rather short and thick

si vie; proboscis horizontal (South America I. Apalocnemis.
Third antennal joint elongate; proboscis vertical. . . 15

15. Femora more or less thickened; much longer than the tibiae; third

antennal joint long, nearly cylindrical; thorax and legs with

few bristles (South America 1. . . . Haplomera.

Femora not thickened nor longer than the tibiae; third antennal

joint conical. (South America.) . . . Hilarempis.

Anthalia Zelterslcdt, Ins. Lapp. (1838), 538.
Anthepiscopus Becker, Wien. ent. Zeit. (1890,281.
Apalocnemis Philippi, Verb. k. k. zool.-bot, Gesellsch., (1865), 752.
Bicellaria Macquart, Soc. Sci. Agr. Arts. Lille, (1823), 155.
Chelipoda Macquart, Soc. Sci. Agr. Arts, Lille (1823), 148.
Chersodromia Walker, List. Dipt. Ins. Brit. Mus. iv, (1849), 1157.
Cladodromia Ann. Mus. Nat. Hung. (1905). 453-

EMPIDID^. 227

Dolichocephala Macquart, Soc. Sci. Agr. Arts, Lille (1823), 147.
Haplomera Macquart, Dipt. Exot., I, (1838), 279.
Hespercmpis Melander, Em. News, (1906), 377.
Hilarcmpis Bezzi, Ann. Mus. Nat. Hung. (1905), 443.
Metachela Coquillett, Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. V, (1903), 253.
Microdromia Bigot, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. (1857), 557.
Microsania Zetterstedt, Ins. Lapp. (1838), 534.
Parathalassius Mik. Wien. ent. Zeit. X, (1891), 217.
Prorates Melander, Ent. News (1906), 372.

Symballophthalmus Becker, Wien. ent. Zeit. VIII, (1889), 285.
Tachypeza Meigen, Syst. Beschr. VII, (1838), 95.
Thinodromia Melander, Ent. News, (1906), 370.
Toreus Melander, Ent. News, (1906), 376.
Trichina Meigen, Syst. Beschr. VI, (1830), 335.

XXVI. Family DOLICHOPODID^.

BV PROF. J. M. ALPRICH.

Fig. 89. Psilopodinus sip ho, enlarged. After Lugger.

Small flies, never exceeding 9 mm. in length, almost
always green in ground color, usually shining, more
rarely dusted with grey or brown, sometimes pure yellow
or almost black. As a family they are distinguished
from their nearest allies by the absence of the cross-vein
between the discal and second basal cells, these uniting
to form a single cell.

Head about as wide as the thorax, usually a little
wider than high; the face bare, varying much in width
in different genera, in the females generally wider than
in males of the same species; front widening rapidly above
in nearly all genera (in Dia.ph.orus the eyes sometimes
contiguous on the front), with bristles on the vertex only.
Posterior orbit with a row of short, erect bristles, indis-
tinct below in some genera. Proboscis fleshy, short, re-
tracted, or rarely a little protruding; palpi flat, reposing

22N

DOLICHOPODID.E. 229

on the proboscis in most species. Antennae three-jointed,
inserted more or less above the middle of the eyes, close
together, the first two joints always short; third joint
commonly oval, but in several genera lengthened, some-
times more so in the male; arista dorsal, subapical, or
completely apical. Thorax in some genera with a well-
marked flat or concave area in front of the scutellum on
the dorsum. Abdomen conical or a little compressed,
in Hydrophones and Scellus sometimes peculiarly small
and retracted; hypogygium varying much in form in
different species, generally rather conspicuous. Coxae
generally short, legs in most genera of moderate length,
in some elongate, those of the males frequently developed
into some ornamental structure; the front femora are
thickened in a few genera. Wings generally hyaline, yet
often with dark markings, which may take the form of a
definite pattern, or may follow the veins indistinctly, or
may be evenly diffused. Anal cell always very short;
two or three posterior cells; sixth vein always very short,
sometimes absent.

This family perhaps surpasses any other natural group
of animals in the variety of secondary sexual characters
possessed by the males. These are ornaments, and are
paraded before the females, as are similar ornaments in
the peacock and turkey-cock. They may occur in the
tarsi, tibiae, femora, wing-apex, face, third joint of an-
tenna, arista, palpi, and still other places. Contrary to
the usual theory, these characters seem very constant,
and are the main reliance in distinguishing the species.
Identification in the family is rendered delightfully easy
in the majority of cases, if one has the male.

The larvae are almost wholly unknown in the United
States; several species have been worked out in Europe.
They are found in moist earth rich in decaying vegeta-
tion, upon which they feed; Dr. A. D. Hopkins has

2^0

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

DOLICHOPODID.E.

231

found larvae of Medeterus in burrows of Scolytidae, and
thinks them predaceous. According to Sharp, the larvae
are amphipneustie, 'a cocoon is formed and the pupa is
remarkable on account of the existence of two long horns
bearing the spiracles, on the back of the thorax; the seven
pairs of abdominal spiracles being excessively minute.'

In adult life all are predaceous. capturing chiefly the
minuter soft-bodied flies, which they enclose within their
soft labella, after the manner of Scatophaga, while ex-
tracting the juices.

As to their immediate habitat, Dolichopodidae are gen-
erally very uniform within the species, but within the
genus two or three habitats may be occupied. The fol-
lowing list of places preferred is referred to by letter in
the table of genera, and may be of use to collectors.

a. On foliage in shady places. 1". On stones in streams.

b. On foliage in the sun. g. On bark of trees.

c. On grass. h. On rocks in cold, wet places.

d. On wet earth at edge of water. i. On sea beaches.

e. On surface of water. j . On old logs.

None of the species are attracted to flowers or to light.

Fig. 90. Dolichopodidae. 1, Psilopus unifasciatus, wing; 2,
Liancalus similis, wing; 3, Psilopodinus sip/10, wing; 4, Hypocharas-
sus, gladiator, wing; 5, Diaphorus spectabilis, wing; 6, Plagioneurus
univitattus, wing; 7, Xanthochlorus helvinus, wing; 8, Achalcus n.
sp. wing (22 diam.); 9, Asyndetus syntormoides, wing; 10, Tachytre-
ch us saints, wing; 11, Scellus vigil, wing; 12, Hydrophorus eldora-
densis. wing; 13, Not hosympycnus frontalis, wing; 14, Pelastoneurus
vagans, wing; 15, Gymnoplernus phyllophorus, wing; 16, Argyra albi-
cans, wing; 17, Mesorhaga albiciliata, wing; 18, Medeterus aurivit-
tatiis, wing; 19, Thrypticus willistoni, wing; 20, Dolichopits lenuipes,
wing; 21, Neurigona lateralis, wing; 22, Parasyntormon montiva-
gutn, wing of male; 23, Sympycnus pitgil, wing of male; 24, Rhaphi-
itm lugubre, wing; 25, Aphrosylus prcrdator, wing; 26, Hercostomus
unicolor, wing; 27, Pelastoneurus vagans, head; 28, Rhaphium lu-
gubre, head of male; 29, Porphyrops effilatus, antenna; 30, Hydro-
phorus eldoradensis, head; 31, Pelastoneurus vagans, head of male
from in front; 32, Mesorhaga albiciliata, head from in front; 33, Do-
lichopits tenuipes, abdomen of male, side view; 34, Porphyrops effilatus,
abdomen of male; 35, Dolichopus idahoensis, hind metatarsus; 36,
Nothosynipycnus fortunatus, front tibia and tarsus of male; 37, Scel-
lus virago, front femur; 39, Parasyntormon emarginatum, antenna
of male, inner side.

All wings enlarged nine diameters, except fig. 8, where the corres-
ponding size is shown in outline. Figs 36 and 39 after Wheeler, all
others by J. M. Aldrich from nature.

232

NORTH AMERICAN DIITKRA.

TABLE OF GENERA.

i. Fourth longitudinal vein with a widely divergent fork on the front

side (1, 8) 2

Fourth longitudinal vein generally without fork; if one is present
it is parallel with the main vein. ..... 4

2. Cilia of the tegulae black, third vein converging to the fourth at

tip (3), scutelluin with four large hristles (b). Psilopodinus.
Cilia of tegula- pale, third vein curving forward at tip (1), scu-
telluin with two large and generally two small bristles. . 3

3. Face wide, vertex deeply excavated (a). . . Psilopus. "
Face narrow, vertex scarcely excavated. . Leptorhethum.

4. Thorax almost as broad as long; head wider than its height or than

the thorax: face wide, vertex deeply excavated (17, 32 1 .

Mesorhaga.
Head and thorax not as described. ...... 5

5. Fourth vein bent forward, forming an apical cross-vein; posterior

cross-vein oblique, parallel with the margin of the wing (6, b).

Plagioneurus.

Posterior cross-vein nearly transverse, usually no apical cross-

vein, ........... 6

b. Hind metatarsi with large bristles above (35, a, b, d).

Dolichopus.
Hind metatarsi without large bristles above. ... 7

7. Hvpopvgium long, extending forward under the venter (33). 8
Hypopvgium short, not extending forward under the venter

(34, one form). 20

8. Arista plumose (27) ' . . . • 9

Arista bare or pubescent. . . . . . . 11

9. Face wide, bulging on the lower part 1 27, 31, 14, a, d).

Pelastoneurus.
Pace narrow. .......... 10

10. Third antenna! joint of male large, elongated, excavated above.

Leptocorypha.
Third antenna] joint normal, as in fig. 27. . . Sarcionus.

1 1 . before the scutellum the posterior third of the dorsum is hollowed

out, or at least distinctly flattened 12

Before the scutellum convex as usual. ..... is

* . \gonosoma of my Catalogue, iqo.S.

DOUCHOPODID^E.

233

12. Posterior cross-vein distant much more than its own length from

the margin of the wing (measured on the fifth vein, 19) . 13
Posterior cross-vein distant about its own length from the mar-
gin 14

13. Second antennal joint prolonged along the inner side of the third.

Cceloglutus.

Second antennal joint not so prolonged, or forming a cup for the

third (19, b, c) Thrypticus.

14. Third and fourth veins parallel towards the tip (25, i).

Aphrosylus.
Third and fourth veins convergent (18, g) . . Medeterus.

15. The face of the male extends far below the eyes, hanging down

apron-like before the mouth (f). . . . Polymedon.

The face of the male reaches about as far as the lower edge of the

eyes, head vertically elongated (10, d, j). Tachytrechus.

Face of the male reaching as far as the lower edge of the eyes, but

the head not elongated Paraclius.

Face of the male not reaching as far as the edge of the eyes. 16

16. Third and fourth veins parallel towards the tip. ... 17
Third and fourth veins distinctly convergent. ... 19

17. Bristles of thorax yellow (19, b, c) . . . . Thrypticus.
Bristles of thorax black. ....... 18

18. First antennal joint bare above. . . . Peloropeodes.
First antennal joint hairy above (15, a). . Gymnopternus.

19. The last segment of the fourth vein gradually approaching the

third (26, a, c, d, e, h) Hercostomus.

Last segment in the middle abruptly curving forward, then grad-
ally resuming its former course, ending near the third vein.

Paraclius.

20. Costal vein extending only to the tip of the third vein, the latter

part of the fourth vein evanescent (9, b) . . Asyndetus.

Costal and fourth veins normal. ...... 21

21. First antennal joint hairy above 22

First antennal joint bare above 26

22. Fourth vein towards the tip strongly curved forward, nearly join-

ing the third at the margin (14, 27, 31, d) . Pelastoneurus.
Fourth vein parallel with the third, or slightly convergent. 23

23. Arista dorsal, face very narrow, palpi small. . Anepsius.

234

NORTH AMKRICAN DIPTKRA.

Arista dorsal, face wide, palpi large 24

Arista nearly or quite at the tip of the large, pointed third joint. 25

24. Arista plumose Phylarchus.

Arista pubescent (d) Diostracus.

25. Posterior cross-vein distant about its own length from the end of

the fifth vein (4,i). . . . . Hypocharassus.

Posterior cross-vein much more than its own length from the end

of the fifth vein (16, a, 1), d). . . . . Argyra.

26. A concave or distinctly flattened hare space before the scutellum.

27
Thoracic dorsum convex as usual. ..... 31

27. Bristles of thorax pale yellow (a) . . . Chrysotimus.
Bristles black, rarely brownish. , 28

28. Fourth vein parallel with the third beyond the cross-vein, or near-

ly so. .. . .... ■ ... 29

Fourth vein converging towards the third (21, g). Neurigona.

29. Acrostichal bristles present only at the anterior edge of the thorax,

very minute (7, a) Xanthochlorus.

Acrostichal bristles well developed, two-rowed. ... 30

30. Very minute, blackish, opaque species (8). . Achalcus.
Small, yellow species Xanthina.

31. Wings elongate, the posterior cross-vein beyond the middle, less

than its length from tip of fifth vein (Hydrophorintz). 32

Wings not elongate, posterior cross-vein scarcely beyond the mid-
dle, more than its length from end of fifth vein; if less, the
hind metatarsus shorter than the following joint. . . 34

32. Fore femora slender (2, h). . . . . . Liancalus.

Fore femora thickened, with spines below (37, 38). . . 33

33. Spines of fore femora very short, thoracic dorsum without well-

marked pollinose lines (12, 38, d, e). . Hydrophorus.

Spines of fore femora long, dorsum with pollinose lines (11, 37,

c, g) Scellus.

34. Outer appendages of the hypopygium long and filiform, arista

dorsal. . Nematoproctus.

Not with both characters. ....... 35

35. Second joint of antenna with a thumblike projection along the in-

ner side of the third (39 i 36

Second joint not with such projection. .... 37

DOUCHOPODID^E. 235

36. Face of female wide, the lower part projecting rooflike (a).

Syntormon.
Face of female not so constructed (22, 39, a) . Parasyntormon.

37. Eyes of male contiguous or nearly so below the antennae. 38
Eyes of male contiguous or nearly so above the antennae (5, a, b,

c) Diaphorus, in part.

Eyes closest together at the level of the antennae, middle legs of

male distorted or with peculiar structure (c, d).

Campsicnemus.
Eyes of male not contiguous nor closely approximated. . 41

38. Abdomen of male with five visible segments besides the nearly

concealed hypopygium (a, b, d) . . Chrysotus, in part.
Abdomen of male with six visible segments besides the hypopy-
gium 39

39. First joint of fore tarsus in the male nmch shorter than the second

(13, 36, a, c) Nothosympycnus.

First joint of fore tarsus of male longer than the second. . 40

40. Second longitudinal vein in the male strikingly sinuous.

Eutarsus.
Second vein almost straight (a) . . . . Sympycnus.

41. Thorax bright green, abdomen yellow, with a good deal of silvery

pollen (a) ■ . Leucostola.

Not so marked. ......... 42

42. Face broad, the palpi large, reposing on the proboscis; pollinose

species (d, i). .• Thinophilus.

Palpi of ordinary size or else projecting lamelliform, free from the
proboscis. .......... 43

43. Third joint of antenna elongated in both sexes; in the male awl-

shaped, not much wider at base than the first joint (28) .

Rhaphium.
Third joint elongated only in the male, lancet-shaped, much wider

at base than the first joint (29, a). . . Porphyrops.
Third joint short, the tip sometimes drawn out into a point. 44

44. Abdomen of male with four blunt bristles at the tip (5, a, b, c) .

Diaphorus, in part.
Abdomen destitute of these bristles. ..... 45

45. Arista nearly or quite apical (a, b, d) . Chrysotus, in part.
Arista dorsal (d) Teuchophorus.

XXVII. Family PHORID^.

BY C. T. BRUKS.

Small or minute species with a hunchbacked appear-
ance. Head small, rather flattened; front broad in both
sexes, usually bearing a few strong bristles; face very
short, concave. Oral opening large; the proboscis usu-
ally fleshy; the palpi projecting, large, generally with
strong bristles. Eyes^never very large, the ocelli always
present in the winged^forms. Antennae with the third
joint large and concealing the others, spheroid or pointed
in shape, bearing a sub-dorsal or apical arista. Thorax
usually large and arched, the scutellum rarely absent.
Abdomen rather short, more or less narrowed behind, or
oval, partly membranous in the wingless forms. Geni-
talia of the male often large, of the female usually very

Fig. 91. Phorida;. 1, Puliciphora 9 ,- 2, Aphioch&ta, head; 3, I'lwra,
antenna; 4, Vonicera, antenna; 5, Aphiocfugta, wing; 6, Hypocera,
wing; 7, Apocephalus, antenna. Drawings by Mrs. C. T. Brues.

small and projecting. Ovipositor in Apocephalus and Plas-
tophora hard, chitinized and projecting. Legs well devel-

236

phorim;. 237

oped; coxae stout; femora large, the hind pair sometimes
enlarged or flattened; tibiae generally with a few strong
bristles. Wings usually large, sometimes very small or
entirely absent; with two heavy veins anteriorly which
reach only half way to the apex of the wing, and three
or four much lighter ones, which run obliquely across the
discal portion of, the wing.

Flies belonging to this family can always be recog-
nized by the peculiar antennae and wing venation. They
are most frequently to be found about decaying vegeta-
ble matter, fallen leaves, dead insects, on windows, or in
ant nests. Some have been observed to frequent corpses.

The larvae are cylindrical and tapering in front. The
pupa is oval, distinctly segmented, and bears two slen-
der projections from the fourth segment which form the
breathing organs. These are connected with the pro-
thorax.

Their habits are extremely diverse. A number of spe-
cies have been bred from decaying vegetables, fungi and
other decomposing plant matter, while others feed on
decaying caterpillars or other insects, as well as snails
or other animals. A number live in ant nests, one (Apo-
cephalus) as a parasite, and another {Metopina) as a com-
mensal. In the case of the former the larva lives within
the head of the adult ant, which finally drops off; while
the larva of Metopina pachycondylce lives curled about the
neck of its host ant-larva, partaking of the food given
the latter by the attendant worker ants. Still others live
in the nests of certain burrowing bees and wasps, and one
is known to be parasitic on spider eggs.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Wings fully developed 2

Wings absent, or much reduced in size and venation. . . 12

2. Third longitudinal vein forked near the tip. ... 3
Third longitudinal vein simple, at most thickened at tip. . 5

23

238 NORTH AMERICAN DIFTERA.

3. Costal vein and front destitute of strong setae. Gymnophora.
Costal vein and front provided with strong setae. ... 4

4. Anterior frontal setae reclinate, middle tibiae with one or more

setae on the outer side near the base.; . . . Phora.

Anterior frontal setae reclinate, middle tibiae destitute of such

setae, ovipositor hard and polished. . . Apocephalus.
Anterior!" frontal setae proclinate, middle tibiae destitute of such

setae Aphiochaeta.

5. First longitudinal vein wanting. . . . Ecitomyia, male.
First longitudinal vein present as usual. .... 6

6. Anterior frontal setae reclinate, middle tibiae with one or more

setae on the outer side near the base. .... 7

Anterior frontal setae proclinate, middle tibiae without such seta;. 9

7. Velvet black, middle tibiae of the male with a row of long setae on

the upper side Trineura.

Not velvet black, middle tibiae with only two or three setae besides
those at apex 8

8. Male antennae prolonged into a slender point with apical arista.

Female antennae with a slight point where the arista is inserted
at the upper corner, seventh vein obsolete. . Conicera.
Third joint usually rounded in both sexes, seventh vein distinct.

Hypoeera.

9. Spurs of four posterior tibiae well developed. . . 10

Spurs of middle tibiae wanting, those of posterior pair minute. 1 1

10. Ovipositor of female prolonged, stout and thickly chitinized, ven-

ation of wing normal. .... Plastophora.

Ovipositor fleshy and retracted as usual, first and third veins

strongly approximated, legs stout. . . . Syneura.

11. Fourth, fifth and sixtli veins light, seventh wanting; four trans-

verse rows of frontal setae Metopina.

Fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh veins strong; three transverse
rows of frontal setae Puliciphora.

12. Wings present, although of very small size. ... 13
Wings completely absent. ....... 16

13. Wings small, strap-shaped, often bearing long bristles. . 14
Wings larger, indistinctly veined, more or less triangular in shape.

Commoptera, female;

PHORIM3.

239

14- Wings destitute of long bristles, abdomen without large macro-

chaetse. Ecitomyia, female.

Wings with very long bristles, head much wider than thorax, ab-
domen often with large macrochsetse. 15

15. Head transversely arcuate, abdomen bare, wing bristles very long

and stout Acontistoptera, female.

Head sub-triangular, abdomen with many very long macrochaetae
arranged in transverse rows. . . Xanionotum, female.

16. Body when seen from above oval, cockroach-like. Enigma tias.
Body separated into the usual three parts, ocelli present.

Puliciphora, female.

Note — No doubt much of interest awaits anyone who may under-
take to study the varied habits of this interesting little family.

XXVIII. Family LONCHOPTERID^.

Small (2-4 mm.), slender, brownish or yellowish flies.
Antennae short, third joint rounded or globular, with a
terminal bristle. Ocelli present; front bristly. Legs
long, bristly; pulvilli very small; empodia wanting.
Wings laneet-like, pointed, the basal cells of small size
and nearly equal length; fourth longitudinal vein fur-
cate; first longitudinal vein short, second and third not
furcate ; the anterior cross-vein lies near the base of the
wing, in front of the middle of the second basal cell, and
is oblique in position.

Fig. 92. Lonchoptera, wing and head of female.

There is but one genus in this singular family, Lon-
choptera, the members of which may be found, often in
large numbers, in the grass or upon stones along the
margins of shady brooks. The larvae live under leaves
and partially decomposed vegetable matter; they are
flat, with long bristles on the first, second and last seg-
ments; posterior spiracles broadly separated on the last
segment, short and tubular; head not differentiated; the
body composed of ten segments, the last one apparently
formed of two. The larva transforms into a sort of semi-
pupa within the last larval skin, and, later into a true
pupa. The venation of the male differs from that of the
female in the termination of the hindmost vein.

240

XXIX. Family PLATYPEZID^.

Fig. 93. Platypeza, species; enlarged. After Washburn.

Small, thinly pilose flies, with bristles; especially char-
acterized by the ornamentation or enlargement of the
hind tarsi. Head hemispherical, as broad or broader
than the thorax, and closely applied to it. Face usually
short and broad. Eyes bare, contiguous in the male,
and in some species in the female also. Ocelli present.
Antennae porrect, the first two joints short, the third
somewhat elongate, oval, pyriform or conical, with a
terminal arista. Thorax rather stout, with distinct bris-
tles; scutellum with bristles. Abdomen comparatively
short; hypopygium more or less incurved. Legs short
and strong; hind legs more or less thickened and the
hind metatarsi thickened or variously ornamented in the
American forms, the following joints often partaking of
their peculiar structure. Wings rather large; third lon-
gitudinal vein simple, the fourth sometimes imperfectly
furcate ; first posterior cell always open in the margin ;

241

242

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

basal cells small, the anal always longer than the second
basal ; posterior cross-vein sometimes wanting.

The flies of this small family have been seen dancing
in the air in small swarms, or running about on the
leaves of underbrush. The most remarkable thing about
them is the oftentimes extraordinary ornamentation of
the hind tarsi of the males, which are always different in
structure from those of the females. The flies are not
often met with, and may be entirely wanting even in con-
siderable collections of diptera. Some, perhaps all pla-
typezid larvse live in fungi {Agaricus, Lepiota, etc.).
They are flat, oval, with jointed, thread-like processes
on the sides of the segments. The puparia are not very
different from the larvse.

Fig. 94. Platvpezidae. 1, Platycnema, wing; 2, Callimyia, wing;
3, Callimyia, hind tarsus of male; 4, Plalypeza, wing; 5, Platypeza,
hind tarsus of male; 6, Caloiarsa, wing; 7, Calotarsa, hind leg of
male; 8, Agathomyia, antenna (Verrall).

PLATYPEZIM. 243

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Discal cell open; fourth longitudinal vein not furcate; humeral bris.

tie conspicuous (1) . . . ; . Platycnema#
Discal cell complete. 2

2. Fourth longitudinal vein furcate 3

Fourth longitudinal vein not furcate. ..... 4

3. Hind tarsi of male with ornamental appendages (6, 7) Calotarsa.
Hind tarsi of male not with ornamental appendages (4, 5) .

Platypeza.

4. First longitudinal vein spinulose; third joint of antennae rather

short (2, 3) Callimyia.

First longitudinal vein not spinulose; third joint of antennae elon-
gate conical (8). Agathomyia.

XXX. Family PIPUNCULID^.

Fig. 95. Pipunculus fuscus, enlarged. After Lugger.

Small, thinly pilose or nearly bare flies with large
heads. Head nearly spherical, broader than the thorax,
composed chiefly of the large eyes. Eyes of the male
approximated closely or contiguous above ; separated by
the narrow front in the female. Face narrow. Antennae
small, short, three-jointed, the third joint oval, reniform
or aculeate, with a dorsal arista. Ocelli present. Pro-
boscis small, concealed. Abdomen composed of six or
seven segments, small, cylindrical; hypopygium thick-
ened, more or less club-shaped; ovipositor usually elon-
gate and folded under the abdomen. Legs simple;
metatarsi elongate, tarsi broad; tibiae without spurs;
pulvilli present. Squamae vestigial. Wings much longer
than the abdomen; basal cells large, the anal cell elon-
gate, reaching to or nearly to the margin; first posterior
cell narrowed in the margin, but never closed; three
posterior cells; posterior cross- vein sometimes absent.

The flies of this small family are commonly met with
on flowers or in sweepings, and are readily distinguished
by their large, subspherical heads. The larvae are para-
sitic, so far as is known. Coheman has reared larvae of

2-J4

PIPUNCULID^E.

245

Pipunculus fjiscipes from Thamnotettix {Cicadula) virescens.
They are elliptical, thick, depressed, narrowed at either
end, naked and small. The puparia are somewhat small-
er, oval, obtuse at either end, shining pitchy black.
Chalarus spurius is said to be parasitic on a species of
Typhlocyba.

Fig. 96. Pipunculidse. 1, Pipunculus, wing; 2, Pipunculus, head;
3, Chalarus, wing; 4, Verrallia, wing; 5, Verrallia, head (Verrall).

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Posterior cross- vein absent (3) . .... Chalarus.
Posterior cross-vein present, the discal cell complete. . . 2

2. No ocellar bristles; occiput excavated. ..... 3

Ocellar bristles; occiput flattened; pilose species (4, 5) . Verrallia,

3. Thorax with well developed bristles; third antennal joint reniform

(12, 13, p. 80) Nephrocerus.

Thorax not with well-developed bristles; third antennal joint more
or less aculeate below; smaller species (1,2). Pipunculus.

XXXI. Family SYRPHID^.

97. Er is talis tenax.

Enlarged one-half.
After Kellogg.

Small to rather large flies. Head
hemispherical, often elongated or
produced in the lower part; as broad
or a little broader than the thorax.
Face moderately broad, bare or cloth-
ed with dust or short pile ; excavated
in profile under the antennae and
projecting below, or with a distinct
convexity near the middle part, nev-
er with longitudinal furrows or lat-
eral ridges, usually convex trans-
versely, sometimes with a median ridge. Oral opening
large; proboscis rarely much elongated. Front never
excavated. Antennae usually porrect and approximated
at their base, three-jointed^usually with a dorsal arista.
Eyes large, bare or pilose; in the male usually contigu-
ous above. Ocelli always present. Thorax compara-
tively large and robust, moderately arched above. Squa-
mae of moderate size. Abdomen composed of five or six
visible segments, rarely with only four. Hypopygium
usually not prominent. Legs usually of moderate
strength, never long. Bristles rarely present in any part
of the body, never on the head; the body generally thinly
pilose or bare, but sometimes clothed with thick pile.
Wings comparatively large; third longitudinal vein never
forked ; marginal cell open or closed ; the fourth vein
terminates in the third at or before its tip; three poste-
rior cells; basal cells large; anal cell always closed be-
fore the border of the wing; between the third and fourth
longitudinal vein and nearly parallel with them, a false

246

SYRPHIM.

247

or spurious vein, nearly always present and characteristic
of the family .

The family Syrphidae is one of the most extensive in
the order. About twenty-five hundred species are known
throughout the world and new forms are constantly discov-
ered. They contain among them many of the bright-
est-colored flies, and numerous specimens are sure to
appear in any general collection of insects. None are
injurious in their habits to man's economy and many are
beneficial. In their adult habits they all have a great
uniformity. They are flower-flies and feed upon honey
and pollen, loving the bright sunshine.

Fig. 98. Milesia virginiensis, enlarged.

The larvae are usually not very elongate, with firm,
sometimes tough skin, the head-segments small and ex-
tensile, the head not distinctly differentiated. The ex-
ternal mouth-parts are either wholly wanting, with only
a soft fleshy opening, or there are two or four outwardly

^4S

NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

Pig. 99. Syrphidae. See page 251.

vSYRPHID^.

249

directed hooklets. Antennae short, small, one or two
jointed and fleshj^. Body smooth or provided with soft
conical projections and bristles; below usually with seven
pairs of abdominal feet. At the posterior end the body
terminates in a more or less elongate tube, single or
double, the stigmata. This tube sometimes forms a short,
almost chitinized, tubercular projection on the dorsal
part of the last segment; at other times it is very long,
longer than the body, slender and composed of two joints,
the one sliding within the other, like the joints of a tele-
scope. In changing to the pupal condition, the larval
skin contracts to form the pupal envelope, and the body
becomes shorter, more oval and of a darker color, the
elongated respiratory tube, in the 'rat-tailed' species,
being curved over the back. Unlike most other Cyelor-
rhapha, the frontal lunule is not used in pushing off the
cap to the puparium.

The habits of the larvae are more variable than those
of the adult flies. A large number live in decaying wood,
or other vegetation, or in ordure, or decomposing animal
remains. Some live in the stems of various plants, some
in fungi. The larvae of many species of Syrphas and al-
lied forms are aphidophagous, crawling about on the
stems of plants frequented by plant-lice, and destroying
them. Some live in ants' nests and maybe parasitic;
others in the nests of humble bees.

Because of the large number of genera in the family,
and the consequent length of the table, I give at the close
an auxiliary grouping of the larger part of those genera
which present decisive characters. By examining any
specimen for the eleven characters given, and noting th<e^ ~^
agreement in numbers, the student may, in many ca^s,.^
be more assured of his determinations. This faulty i^j^ 0*»
peculiarly difficult one to define clearly all the^^neaki iil^
a dichotomic table. I have introduced a nu^lrer\«$erQsS-

24 <r^y*P

* ^ *°

SYRPHID.^. 25I

references to such genera as may be doubtful to the nov-
ice. Nearly all the genera, and many of the species will
be found figured in the author's Synopsis.

Several attempts have been made to subdivide the
family into sub-families, but no proposed plan has re-
ceived general approbation. I have recognized but three,
the Syrphinae, Eristalinae and Cerinae. Verrall in his
late attempt at classification has introduced several oth-
ers, but not always happily. I cannot approve of such
associations as Psarus, Callicera, Chrysotoxum and Spheco-
myia in the subfamily Chrysotoxince, distinguished chiefly
by the elongate antennae. Some species of Sphecomyia
have very short antennae, notwithstanding which they
show the closest relationship with the typical form. The
length of the antennae is always doubtfully a generic
character even, and certainly cannot be used as a distin-
guishing character for larger groups.

Figs. 101, 102. Syrphidse. i, Microdon, sp. wing; 2, Chrysogaster
nitida, wing; 3, Chrysogaster nitida, antenna; 4 Chrysogaster nig-
ripes, antenna; 5, Paragus tibialis, wing; 6, Pipiza, sp., antenna; 7,
Paragus tibialis, antenna; 8, Chilosia, sp., wing(spurious vein omit-
ted). 9, Didea laxa, wing; 10, Didea laxa, antenna; 11, Salpingo-
gaster, sp.,wing; 12, Volucella, sp.. wing; 13, Voliicella, antenna; 14,
Copestylum marginatum, antenna; 15, Arctophila Jtagr a ns, wing; 16,
Sericomyia niilitaris, antenna, 17, Eristalis, sp., wing; 18, Helophi-
lus similis, wing; 19, Tropidia 'quadrata, hind leg; 20, JMilesia vir-
giniensis, hind leg; 21, Spilomyia longicornis, wing; 22, Spilomyia
longicornis, antenna; 23, Chrosotoxum, species, antenna; 24,
Sphvximorpha, sp., antenna; 25, Ferdinandea croesus, wing; 26, Volu-
cella fasciata; 27, A/yiolepta auricaudata; 28, Syritta pipiens; 29,
Xylota pigra; 30, Pipiza pulchella ; 31, Platycheirns hyperboreus;
32, Syrphus americanus; 33; Sericomyia militaris; 34, Pterallastes '
{Triodonta) curvipes; 35, Scceva pyrastri; 36, Tropidia quadrata; 37,
Baccha lemur ; 38, Trichophthalmomyia, sp., 39, Baccha, sp.; 40,
Apophysophora, sp.; 41, Chrysotoxum, species.

252 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

TABLE OF C.ENERA.
i. Antennae with a terminal style 2

Antennae with a dorsal (rarely snhterminal) arista. . . 4

2. Antennae cylindrical, the first two joints elongated; first posterior

cell with a stump of a vein (24) [Ceria). Sphyximorpha.
First two joints of the antennae short 3

3. Eyes hare; small species. Pelecocera.

Eyes pilose; larger species. ..... Callicera-

4. Marginal cell of the wings closed and petiolate. ... 48
Marginal cell open. ........ 5

5. Anterior cross-vein of the wings distinctly hefore the middle of

the discal cell; almost always rectangular. ... 6

Anterior cross-vein near or beyond the middle of the discal cell,

usually oblique. ......... 55

6. Antennae elongate (if arista plumose, see 56). ... 7
Antennae short. '14

7. Mesonotum with yellow lateral stripes; large species, the abdo-

men always with distinct yellow bands (23, 41).

Chrysotoxum.

Mesonotum not with distinct yellow lateral stripes or margins. 8

8. Face rounded, not tuberculate, pilose; oral margin not project-

ing 9

Face not evenly arched; tuberculate or the oral margin project-
ing I2

9. Moderately large to large species; scutellum flattened, often with

spines or tubercles on its border; a stump of a vein in the first

posterior cell from the third longitudinal vein. . . 10

Small species; scutellum without spines; no stump of vein in first

posterior cell (30) Pipiza.

10. Abdomen much narrowed at the base. . . . . .11

Abdomen not or but little narrowed at base (1). Microdon.

11. Face swollen and prominent below. . Rhopalosyrphus.
Face not swollen and prominent below. . . Mixogaster.

12. Body clothed with sparse (omentum; all the femora thickened and

with spinous bristles below [Leprotnyiafi) . Lepidostola.

Body not clothed with flattened tomentum; the femora not thick-
ened with spinous bristles below. ..... 13

13. Face partly or wholly yellow, tuberculate below, the epistoma not

projecting; face and front not wrinkled (5, 7). Paragus.

* The name Lepidostola Mik has slight priority over Lepromyia.

SYRPHID^. 253

Front and face wholly black in ground color (Chrysogaster, Rhy-
sops). . .......... 19

14. Face black in ground color. . . . . . . .15

Face more or less yellow or yellowish in ground-color. . 26

15. Abdomen with only four visible segments, very convex, the venter

excavated; first two joints of the antennae very short, the third
large, subquadrate, with a short subterminal arista.

Nausigaster.
Abdomen with more than four visible segments. . . .16

16. Hind femora distinctly thickened. ...... 17

Hind femora but little or not at all thickened. ... 18

17. Scutellum unusually large, nearly square; males dichoptic.

Chalcomyia.

Scutellum not unusually large, considerably broader at its base;

males holoptic and with a facial tubercle (27). Myiolepta.

18. Face rounded, not tuberculate, the oral margin not projecting(30)

Pipiza.
Face tuberculate or the oral margin projecting. ... 19

19. Epistoma projecting; small, black species. .... 20
Face tuberculate, the oral margin not projecting. ... 21

20. Front in the female and usually the face in both sexes with trans-

verse wrinkles; spurious vein obsolete; antennae short or long

(2,3,4) Chrysogaster.

Front and face not wrinkled; face pilose. . . . Psilota.

21. Metallic green, metallic green and black, or black species; facial

orbits separated by a slender parallel groove (8). Chilosia.
Black with more or less metallic green or blue, with yellow, yel-
lowish or metallic cross-bands on the abdomen ; face not with
orbital grooves. ......... 22

22. Face with transverse grooves in the middle; (antennae elongate).

Rhysops.*
Face not with transverse grooves or wrinkles. ... 23

23. Wings not longer than the abdomen; ocellar tubercle large; abdo-

men depressed, long elliptical, somewhat narrowed toward its
base, the markings ferruginous or orange yellow. Pyrophaena.

* filelanostoma scitulum, rugonasus. melanocerum.

25_^ NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

Wings longer than the abdomen, abdomen with yellow or green-
ish-yellow, or shining metallic cross-bands ; usually elongate
species. .......... 24

24. Front tibiae distally and the tarsi of the male dilated, those of the

female slightly widened (31). . . . Platycheirus.

Front tibiae and tarsi slender in both sexes. . . . . 25

25. Rather larga, blackish spicijs, with a large flat, elliptical ab lo-

men Xanthandrus Verrall.*

More elongate and slender species; abdomen not elliptical in out-
line Melanostoma.

26. Abdomen narrowed toward the base, distinctly club-shaped or

spatnlate in outline. ........ 27

Abdomen oval or slender, not spatulate or club-shaped in out-
line. ........... 30

27. Third longitudinal vein bent deeply into the first posterior cell. (11 )

Salpingogaster.
Third longitudinal vein straight or gently curved. . . 28

28. Hind femora slender; front of female long, narrowed above; the

cheeks very narrow below the eyes; abdomen often very slender.

(37,39) Baccha.

Hind femora thickened; front not unusually long in female. 29

29. Epistoma produced anteriorly, the face in profile deeply concave

from antennae to tip; third joint of antennae rounded.

Sphegrina.

Epistoma produced more downward, in profile gently concave;

third joint of antennae not rounded. . . . Neoascia.

30. Front long, much narrowed above in the female; cheeks very nar-

row, the eyes approaching each other at the lower third of the
head; wings usually with dark picture; abdomen more or less
elongate (compare Baccha when in doubt as to shape of abdo-
men) Ocyptamus.

Plies not having the above assemblage of characters. . -3'

31. Mesonotum with distinct yellow lateral margins. ... 38
Mesonotum not with yellow lateral margins. ... 32

32. Abdomen with definite yellow cross-bands. .... 33
Abdomen not with definite yellow cross-bands. ... 42

Melanostoma bucephalus Wied.

SYRPHIDiE.

255

33. Hind femora extraordinarily thickened (28). . . Syritta.
Hind femora slender. ........ 34

34. Sixth abdominal segment in the male as long as the two preceding

together, cylindrical; fifth segment of the female one-half as

long as the preceding. Eupeodes.

Sixth abdominal segment of the male not peculiar; the fifth seg-
ment of the female one-third or one-fonrth as long as the pre-
ceding 35

35. Front very convex; eyes of male with an area of enlarged facets

above (Lasiopticus (35). Scseva.*

Front not remarkably convex. ...... 36

36. Third longitudinal vein with distinct curvature into the first pos-

terior cell; third joint of antennae elongate oval (9, IO). Didea

Third longitudinal vein straight or gently curved; epistoma not

produced (if produced snout-like, Rhingia). ... 37

37. Males holoptic (32) Syrphus.

Males broadly dichoptic; arista more or less thickened.

Chamaesyrphus.

38. Mesonotum with median cinereous line; ocelli visually remote from

the vertex 39

Mesonotum not with a median cinereous linear stripe. . 40

39. Hind femora in the male thickened and arcuate, the tibiae dilated

at the tip Toxomerus.

Hind femora simple and straight; the tibiae not dilated at tip.

Mesogramma.

40. Eyes of male with an area of enlarged facets above; fourth seg-

ment of abdomen with two median yellow stripes and oblique

side spots Allograpta.*

Eyes of male not with an area of enlarged facets above; fourth
abdominal segment not so marked. . . . . . 41

41. Face projecting below ; slender species, the hypopygium often

large Sphaerophoria.

Face receding; abdomen oval. . . . Xanthogramma.

42. Thickly pilose species; the abdomen black, the basal part light

yellow. Leucozona.

Thinly pilose species; abdomen not so marked. ... 43

43. Hind femora thickened. 44

Hind femora slender 47

* Feebly characterized genera.

256

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

44. Species wholly or chiefly reddish or lutescent. ... 46
Black species, sometimes with luteous spots on face, humeri and

basal angles of abdomen. ....... 45

45. Scutellutn unusually large, nearly square in outline; males dichop-

tic Chalcomyia.

Scutellum oval; males holoptic (27). . . . Myiolepta.

46. Face carinate; abdomen oval. . . . ' . Brachyopa.
Face tuberculate; abdomen more elongate. Hammerschmidtia.

47. Epistoma produced into a long porrect snout. . . Rhingia.
Epistoma not produced (compare Paragus sp. if small); facial

orbits limited by a slender groove (8). . . . Chilosia-

48. Third vein bent deeply into the first posterior cell. . . 51
Third vein not bent deeply into first posterior cell; third antennal

joint elongate. ......... 49

49. Arista very densely plumose, appearing as a solid mass, the arista

itself also thickened (14) . .... Copestylum.

Arista feathery plumose. ....... 50

50. Hairs of arista ret rorse; males dichoptic. . Megrametapon.
Hairs of arista not retrorse; males holoptic (12, 13, 36).

Volucella.

51. Hind femora with a sharp tooth-like projection below near distal

end; sixth vein beyond anal cell strongly curved; large species

(20) • Milesia.

Hind femora without such tooth. ...... 52

52. Frontal triangle of male strongly protuberant; rather large, dark-

colored species (Priomerus, Doliosyrphus.) . Eristalis.

Frontal triangle not protuberant. ...... 53

53. Epistoma produced into a long porrect snout.

Licastrirhyncha.
Epistoma not produced. ....... 54

54. Thorax with distinct yellow markings; hind femora thickened;

hypopygium enlarged. .... Meromacrus.

Thorax not with distinct yellow markings, sometimes white-fas-
ciate; femora sometimes thickened; hypopygium not conspicu-
ously prominent (17). . Eristalis.

55. Arista plumose. ......... 56

Arista ban- or pubescent. ....... 60

SYRPHIM. 257

56. Antennae elongate, the third joint more than twice as long as wide

{Phalacromyia, Glaurotrtcha). . . . Volucella.

Antennae short, the third joint not more than twice as long as

wide; third vein nearly straight, or gently or considerably

curved into first posterior cell. . . 57

57. Thinly pilose; abdomen with yellow bands. ... 58
Thickly pilose; abdomen not with yellow bands. ... 59

58. Third vein straight or moderately curved. . . Sericomyia.
Third vein considerably curved.* . . . Condidea Coq.

59. Eyes pubescent! Pyritis.

Eyes bare (15) Arctophila.

60. Third longitudinal vein deeply curved into the first posterior

cell 61

Third vein only gently curved. ...... 70

61. Hind femora thickened. ....... 63

Hind femora slender. ........ 62

62. Abdomen elongate, narrowed at base, spatulate in outline (11).

Salping-ogaster.

Abdomen oval, with yellow, interrupted bands; mesonotum with

yellow margins; antennae elongate (22, 41). Chrysotoxum.

63. Face carinate or subcarinate; hind femora with an angular pro-

tuberance or spur below at outer end:
Face protuberant in profile (19, 36) . . Tropidia.

Face concave in profile, subcarinate; spur of femora bifid.

Senogaster.
Face tuberculate or arched, not keeled. .... 64

64. Abdomen much narrowed at base, club-shaped. Ceriogaster.
Abdomen not at all pedunculate or basally narrowed. . 65

65. Antennae elongate; eyes pubescent; wings colored anteriorly.

"Platynochsetus" niger.^%
Antennae not elongate. ........ 66

* This character is found in some of the species of Arctophila, Tro-
pidia, etc., but is not considered generic.

t Ocular pubescence alone is not of generic value; I do not know
the genus.

% This is perhaps not a true Platynochcztus. The terminal expan-
sion of the arista is a male character. I do not know it.

25y NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

66. Third joint of antennae broad; niesonotum not vittate. . 68
Third joint of antennae oval.

Males holoptic; femora with protuberance below. Merodon.
Males dichoptic; femora not with protuberance. . . 67

67. Ocelli remote from each other; niesonotum not vittate.

Asemosyrphus .
Ocelli not remote from each other; niesonotum vittate (18l.

Helophilus.

68. Thickly pilose species. Mallota.

Thinly pilose. ......... 69

69. Hind tibiae of male with an internal spur (compare Mallota, sp.)

Teuchocnemis. *

Hind tibiae of male not with such spur (Triodonla, Polydonta)

(34) Pterallastes.

70. Thorax with distinct yellow markings other than on the humeri;

wasp-like flies. ......... 81

Thorax not with distinct yellow markings of the ground-color
other than rarely on the humeri. . . . . . 71

71. Hind femora swollen and with a protuberance or spur below dis-

t ally; face carinate or subcarinate. ..... 72

Hind femora not with such protuberance or spur. . . 73

72. Face concave in profile; femoral spur bifid. Senogaster.t
Face protuberant in profile; femoral protuberance not spur-like

(19, 36 1 Tropidia.

73. Abdomen narrowed basally; slender species (see 27).
Abdomen in no wise club-shaped. ..... 74

74. Face transversely arched, not produced, not tuberculate; abdo-

men more or less elongate and nearly bare. ... 75
More or less thickly pilose species; often large. ... 76

75. Hind femora extraordinarily thickened; anterior cross-vein rec-

tangular, and before the middle of discal cell (Syritta).
Hind femora distinctly thickened, but the cross-vein distinctly
oblique, and near or beyond middle of discal cell. XylotaJ

* Of doubtful validity; I think that both this and Polydonta should
be united with Pterallastes.

t Of doubtful occurrence in the United States.

Xylota may be confounded with BrachypalpUS. The nearly bare
abdomen of the one. rather thickly pilose of the other, will distinguish

them.

SYRPHIDJ3.. 259

76. Scutellum, margin of thorax and pleurae with distinct bristles,

femora slender (Chrysochlamys) (25). . Ferdinandea.
No bristles anywhere on body. ...... 77

77. Face short, not produced, concave from antennae to oral margin,

not tuberculate; hind femora thickened. .... 78
Face produced, long. ........ 79

7S. Abdomen elongate. Brachypalpus.

Abdomen very broad ; thorax densely pilose ; middle femora of
male sometimes {Hadromyia) with a stout, basal, inferior spur.

Pocota.

79. Face produced forward, pointed, concave from antennae to tip, not

tuberculate; hind femora thickened. . . Crioprora.*

Face not evenly concave in profile, but tuberculate or convex. 80

80. Third joint of antennae produced above into an anteriorly directed,

conical process, terminating in the thickened arista.

Merapioidus.
Third joint of antennae obliquely oval; hind femora rarely thick-
ened Criorhina.

81. Hind femora with a conical, tooth-like protuberance below near

distal end; antennae more or less elongated; sixth vein directed

obliquely outward beyond anal cell (21, 22) . Spilomyia.

Hind femora without much protuberance; sixth vein beyond anal

cell not unusual. ........ 82

82. Antennae inserted low down, near middle of head in profile, the

face not longer than front. .... Temnostoma.
Antennae inserted on a conical process; front short, the face
much produced downward; antennae long or short.

Sphecomyia.

AUXILIARY TABLE.

1. Marginal cell of wings closed:

Copestylum, 4, 5, 8. Meromacrus, 2.

Eristalis 2, (5), 8. Milesia, 2, 7.
Lycastrirhyncha, 2, 6. (Priomerus), 2, 8.

Megametapon 4, 5, 8, 10. Voluceila, 4, 5. 8.

2. Third longitudinal vein markedly curved into first posterior cell.
Asemosyrphus, 10. Arctophila, sp. 5, (fig. 15).
Ceriogaster, 9. Platynochaetus, 13.
Chrysotoxum, 4, 8. (Priomerus), 1, 8.
Condidea, 5. Pterallastes, 4.

Didea, 8, (fig. 17). Salpingogaster, 9, (fig. 11).

Eristalis, 1. 5,8; (fig. 17). Syrphus, sp.

Helophilus, 10, (fig. 18). Teuchocnemis.

Lycastrirhyncha, 1, 6. Tropidia, 7.

Mallota, 8, 10. Milesia, 1, 7.
Meromacrus, 1.

* C. arctophiloides is a Criorhina,

26o

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTHRA.

First posterior cell with a slum]) of vein from the third longi-
tudinal vein:

Sphyximorpha, 4,11.
Microdon, 4, 8, (fig. 1).

4. Anteniue elongate:
Sphyximorpha, 3, 11, (fig. 24
Chrysogaster, spp. (fig. 3).
Chrysotoxum, 2, 8, (fig. 4).
Copestylum, 1, 5, 9, (fig. 14).
Lepidostola,
Megatnetapon, 5, 10.
Microdon, 3, 8.
Mixogaster, 3, 9.

Paragus, spp. 8.

5. Arista plumose:
Arctophila, 2.
Brachyopa, spp.
Chilosia, spp. 8.
Copestylum, 1, 4, S, (fig. 14).
Eristalis, spp. 1, 2 (8).

Mixogaster, 4, 9.
Rhopalosyrphus, 4, 8, 9, 10.

8, 9, 10.

Pipiza, 8.
Platynochaetus, 2.
(Phalacromyia), 5.
Rhopalosyrphus, 3,

Rhysops.
Sphecomyia, sp.
Spilomyia spp. 7, (fig. 23).
Volucella, 1, 5, 8.

Megatnetapon, 4, 8, 10.
Condidea, 2.

Pyritis,

Serieomvia (fig. 16).

Volucella, I, 4, 8, (fig

Epistoma produced into a long, porrect snout
Rhingia, Lycastrirhyncha, 1

Hind femora with a projection below

I3-)

2.

Milesia, 1, 2.
Pterallastes, 2, (sp.) 7
Senogaster, 2, 9.
Eyes pubescent:
Chilosia, spp.
Chrysotoxum, 4.
Ferdinandea.
Copestylum, 1, 4, 5.
Didea, sp. 2.
Eristalis, spp. 1, 2, 5.
Leucozona.
Mallota, 2, 10, (s])i .
Megametapon, 1, 4, 5

Spilomyia, 4.
Tropidia, 2.

10.

Microdon, spp. 3, 4, 10.

Paragus, 4.

Pipiza, 4.

Psilota.

Pyritis, 5.

Rhopalosyrphus, 3, 4, 9, 10.

Scseva.

Syrphus, spp.

Volucella, 1, 4, 5; or 4, 5.

9. Abdomen spatulate or conspicuously narrowed at bast-:

Baccha.
Ceriogaster, 2.
Mixogaster, 3, 4, S. 10.
Neoascia.

10. Males dichoptic:
Asemosyrphus, 2.
Chalcomyia.
Chamaesyrphus.
Helophilus, 2.

Mallota, s]). 2, 8.
Microdon, 3, 4, S.

1 1. Arista or style of anteniue terminal:

Rhopalosyrphus, 3
Salpingogaster, 2.
Sphegina.
S])hyximorpha, 3, |,

4. 8, 10.

1 1.

Mixogaster, 3, 4, 9.
Megametapon, 1, 4, ,s, 8.
Pelecocera, 1 1.
Rhopalosyrphus, 3,4. 8, 9.
Pterallastes, 2, 7, 1 sp. 1

Callicera.
Pelecocera, 10.

Merapioidus.
Sphyximorpha,

4.9-

XXXII. Family CONOPID^.

Thinly pilose or nearly bare, more or less elongate flies,
of moderate size. Head broad; front broad in both sexes;
ocelli present or absent. Antennae porreet, the simple
third joint with a dorsal arista or terminal style. Oral
opening large; proboscis elongate and slender. Abdom-
en often constricted toward the base; genitalia usually
conspicuous. Basal cells of wing usually large, the
anal closed; three posterior cells, the first closed or
much narrowed; no spurious vein. An inflatable ptilin-
um above the antennae.

The members of this small family are all flower-flies,
not of quick flight. Some have a remarkable resemb-
lance to wasps, doubtless protective (see fig. 3, page 18).
The genus Stylogaster is remarkable for the very long
ovipositor of the female and the elongate proboscis of
both sexes; the four or five known species are from Afri-
ca, North and South America. The genus departs rath-
er from the conopid type, with no essential differences
from the Acalypterae.

Some, perhaps all, of the larvae of this family are par-
asitic upon adult hymenoptera (wasps and bees) and
orthoptera. The eggs are deposited by the female, in
some cases at least, directly upon the bodies of the bees
or wasps during flight. The newly hatched larvae bur-
row within the abdominal cavity of their host, and there
remain, the hind end directed toward the base of the ab-
domen, consuming the less vital parts, until ready for
transformation into the adults, when they escape from
between the abdominal rings of the insect. The larvae
of the Conopinae are oval or pyriform, with distinctly
differentiated segments, which may be extended or con-
(25) 261

262

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

conopim;. 263

tracted. The antennae are wart-like, with a chitinous,
ocellus-like ring on the extremity of each. The mouth-
hooklets are strongly bent. On the last segment there
are two large, round or reniform, stigmatic plates, arched
like a watch crystal. The puparium is oval, with but-
ton-like, slightly projecting, anterior stigmata, the post-
erior pair as in the larvae; it remains within the body
of the host during the winter.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Antennae with a terminal style; proboscis directed forward without

median hinge; abdomen constricted toward the base. . 2
Antennae with a dorsal or subdorsal arista. .... 4

2. Face with a median keel, without lateral grooves; a minute ocelli-

gerous tubercle, the ocelli vestigial (4). . Tropidomyia.
Face with well-marked divergent grooves. .... 3

3. Femora and tibiae not thickened or dilated, or, if so, the thicken-

ing is regular; anterior cross-vein nearly opposite or before the
tip of the auxiliary vein, and near the middle of the discal cell;
ocelli functional or vestigial (1) . . . . . Conops.

Femora irregularly thickened toward the base, the tibiae with irreg-
ular outlines; anterior cross-vein near outer third of discal cell;
ocelli vestigial (2). . . . . Physocephala. .

4. Proboscis directed forward, not hinged backward. (3). Zodion.
Proboscis bent near middle, the distal part folding back. . 5

5. Vertex with bristles; tibiae spurred; face carinate, not grooved; ovi-

positor of female very long; anal cell small (8) . Stylogaster.
Vertex and tibiae without bristles; face with diverging grooves. 6

6. Anal cell short; ovipositor elongate and folded beneath abdomen.

(7) Dalmannia.

Anal cell elongate, acute; ovipositor not folding beneath abdomen. 7

7. Cheeks narrower than vertical diameter of eyes. ... 8
Cheeks as broad or broader than eyes (6). . . Myopa.

8. Antennae longer than the front (5). . . . Occemyia.
Antennae shorter than the front. ..... Sicus.

Fig. 101. Conopida?. 1, Conops xanthopareus, female; 2, Physocephala
farcillata, male; 8, Zodion fulvifrons, female; 4, Tropidomyia bimaculata; 5,
Occemyia modesta, female; 6, Myopa clausa, female; 7, Dalmannia picta, fe-
male; 8, Stylogaster neglecta, female.

XXXIII, XXXIV. Families MICROPEZID^,
TANYPEZIDJ3.

Fig. 102. Caiobaia univittata, enlarged. After Washburn.

These two groups, often associated together, present
such important structural differences, and the resem-
blance of the insects composing them is so slight, that
their separation seems entirely proper.

Tanypezidce. Head broad, subhemispherical, the occi-
put concave, the eyes very large, the posterior orbits very
narrow, the cheeks also narrow; front rather narrow,
with bristles on upper half only. No vibrissal bristle.
Antennae more or less elongated, decumbent. Venation
complete; posterior basal cells small; first posterior cell
narrowed in the margin. Legs long; tarsi longer than
the tibiae; tibiae without preapical bristle.

A single genus Tanypeza, with a half dozen species
perhaps, is all that can be definitely referred to this
group. It will be readily recognized from the accompa-

264

MICROPEZID^— TANYPEZIM.

265

nying figures (9,10). A second genus, Tet^adiscus
Bigot, may possibly belong here, though it has the first
posterior cell open and the third joint of the antennae
rounded. The genus, if not identical with some other
already known, can not be located until specimens are
studied by some competent dipterist.

Micropezidce . Head subsperical; front rather broad,
not bristly on the lower part. Eyes relatively small, the
orbits and cheeks moderately broad. No oral vibrissas;
face retreating in profile, sometimes very much so. Tho-
rax narrowed anteriorly. Antennae short or moderately
elongated, porrect. Abdomen elongate; male genitalia
often large and complicated. Wings elongated; auxil-
iary distinct in its whole course; or so closely applied to
the short first longitudinal vein as to be distinguishable
with difficulty. Anal cell always present, short, or drawn
out into an acute point; second basal cell sometimes con-
fluent with the discal cell; first posterior cell closed or
much narrowed in the margin. I^egs long and slender,
the tarsi shorter than the tibiae; no preapical tibial
bristle.

So far as the known European and North American
genera are concerned, the above diagnosis clearly defines
the limits of the group. There are numerous forms in
South America, however, which seem to break down the
limits on the one hand from the Piophilidae, on the other
from the Ortalididae. The narrowing or closure of the
first posterior cell is very distinctive of our species, but
is not a group character. Nor are the slender legs a real
'family' character, since there are southern forms with
thickened hind femora and shorter legs which insensibly
connect the more typical Calobat<z or Micropeztz, through
Cardiacephala, with the Ortalididae. The group is dis-
tinctively a South American one. The writer has more
than a score of species in his collection from Brazil.

266

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 103. Micropezidae, Tanypezirke. 1, Nerius bistrialus, wing;
2, Nerius, head; 3, Telostylus, antenna; 4, Calobata melted, wing; 5,
Micropeza, wing; 6, Micropeza antenna; 7, Cardiacephala, head; S>
Cardiacephala, hind leg; 9, Tanypezaclaripennis, head; 10, Tanypeza,

TABLE OF GENERA.
Second hasal cell confluent with the discal cell (5,6). Micropeza.
Second basal cell complete. ....... 2

Third antennal joint truncate at the tip, with a terminal bristle
(1,2) Nerius.

Third antennal joint tapering to a point, into which is inserted
the apical, pubescent arista (3). . Telostylus bigot.

Arista distinctly dorsal, that is nearer the base of the third joint
than its tip; wings usually with markings. ... 3

Auxiliary vein distinct; femora simple (4). . . Calobata.

Auxiliary vein indistinguishable; posterior femora with a swelling

beyond the middle (7, 8) Cardiacephala.

XXXV. Family PSIUD^.

Front bristly on the upper part; broad. Face perpen-
dicular or somewhat retreating in profile, without vibris-
sae. Antennae moderately or very long, decumbent.
Abdomen rather slender; male genitalia but little prom-
inent, the ovipositor usually elongate. Wings large;
auxiliary vein absent or indistinct; third and fourth
longitudinal veins parallel ; all three basal cells distinct.
L,egs elongate; no preapical bristle on the tibiae.

The flies of this family are of moderate size and elon-
gate. The larvae of those few species in which they are
known live in the roots or galls of different plants. The
larvae of Psila are slender, cylindrical, pale yellow, bare;
the posterior stigmata are small, rounded or button-like
processes of a black color.

Fig. 104. 1, Loxocera; 2, Loxocera, head; jr Chyliza, wing;

4, Chyliza, head.
267

268

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

The occurrence of Megamerina Rondani in America
lacks confirmation. It has the auxiliary very distinct
and probably belongs more properly with the Sepsidse.

TABLE OF GENERA,
i. Antennae much elongated, the third joint slender (1, 2).

Loxocera.
Antennae shorter than the face, the third joint oval or rounded. 2

2. Face nearly perpendicular in profile; anal cell noticeably shorter
than the second basal cell (3, 4) . . . . Chyliza.
Face retreating in profile; anal cell as long or longer than the sec-
ond basal cell Psila.

Fig. 105. Sepsidse. I, Sepsis, wing; 2, Sepsis, head; 3, Sepsis,
front-leg; 4, Prochyliza, head; 5, Piophila, wing; 6, Piophila, head;
7 Michogaster, head (S. A.); 8, Michogaster, wing.

XXXVI. Family SEPSIDiE.

Fig. 106. Piophila casei, enlarged. After Washburn.

Head rounded; front bristly above; face perpendicular
or a little retreating; border of the mouth more or less
hairy, with or without vibrissae ; proboscis short; anten-
nae not porrect, usually short. Abdomen usually notice-
ably narrowed at the base; hypopygium prominent.
Auxiliary vein distinct or more or less coalescent with the
first vein; all the basal cells distinct. Middle tibiae with
spurs; tibiae usually without preapical bristle.

The flies of this family are usually small, black and
elongated, with the abdomen narrowed at the base, thick-
ened and curved downward toward the extremity; with
transparent, irridescent wing, usually hyaline, but often
with a spot or spots toward the end, and are usually ob-
served about decaying vegetables, excrement, cheese,
ham, etc., often in swarms. The flies for the greater part,
run about actively and are quick in flight. The best
known are the species of Piophila, the larvae of which are

269

270 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

so well known as 'cheese-mites'. These larvae live in
cheese, in ham or bacon, or in general in any fatty ma-
terial, and often do much damage, being especially
troublesome in pork-packing establishments. From the
peculiar power of leaping possessed by the maggots they
are often called 'skippers'; the act is performed by the lar-
va seizing with its extended mouth-hooklets the edge of
the posterior truncature of the bod}' and then suddenly
releasing it while pulling hard. The larvae are some-
what conical, pointed anteriorly, truncated behind, and
about five millimeters in length. They are shining and
smooth; the antennae composed of two equally long joints;
the mouth hooklets separated, short and divergent; the
anterior spiracles whitish, the abdominal legs roughened,
the anal segment with four fleshy protuberances. Pupa-
rium elliptic, rugose.

TABLE OF OENERA.
i. Head depressed; antennae elongate. ..... 2

Head not depressed; antenna? not reaching beyond the oral mar-
gin 5

2. Second joint of antenna; elongate, the third oval (4). Prochyliza,
Second joint of antennae short, the third elongate. Tylomyia

3. Auxiliary vein distinct; palpi vestigial. ..... 4

Auxiliary vein indistinct, or wanting. . . . . . 6

4. Abdomen curved, narrowed at base, the second segment swollen. 5
Abdomen straight or but slightly curved, but little narrowed at

base, the second segment not swollen. . . Themira

5. Front femora of male with tubercles on under side (1, 2, 3) . Sepsis.
Front femora of male not with tubercles on under side.

Nemopoda.

6. Wings with blackish spot at tip; antenna.- reaching nearly to the

oral margin Mycetaulus.

Wings wholly hyaline: antenna.* shorter ^5, 6 1. . Piophila.

XXXVII. Family ORTALIDID^.

Fig. 107. Atilineura, sp. Brazil. Enlarged.

Rather small to moderately large flies. Front broad in
both sexes, never with lower fronto-orbital bristles. Vi-
brissas wanting. Clypeus distinct, usually well devel-
oped; proboscis more or less stout; palpi broad, seldom
narrow. Abdomen with five segments in the male, six
in the female, the first two in both sexes more or less
coalescent; male with a rolled up, long penis; female
with a three-jointed, horny ovipositor. Legs usually
stout and short, never very slender. Venation of wings
complete; auxiliary vein usually completely separated

271

272

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

Fig. ro8.

ORTALIDID^E.

273

-31

Figs. 108, 109. Ortalididae. 1, Pyrgota; 2, Slenopterina; 3, Camp-
tone ar a ; 4, Idana ; 5, Kivellia ; 6, Teta?wps; 7, Pseudotephritis;
8; Oedopa; 9, Chcctopsis; 10, C/zlometopia; 11, Pterocalla; 12, Melie-
ria; 13, Eumetopia; 14, Richardia; 15, Euxesta; 16, Euxesta; 17,
NotograrHma; 18, Euphara; 19, Antineura; 20, 6>«. «o»f 21,
Aposhasmica; 22, Stenomacra.

from the first longitudinal vein, though often much ap-
proximated to it; it runs into the costa at a more or less
acute angle, without becoming indistinct at its end; pos-
terior basal and anal cells of moderate size, the latter ex-
ceptionally indistinct. Middle tibiae alone provided with
spurs; tibiae rarely with an erect bristle before the tip
exteriorly {Antomola) .

The present family includes a large number of species
of flies that are sure to be represented in every collection
26

274 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

of diptera. * Many of the species have the wings- prettily
marked. The family by some entomologists is divided
into several independent groups, as the Doryeeridae or
Pyrgotidae, the Platystomidae, Ulidiidae, etc. The flies
are usually found about meadows or among luxuriantly
growing grass. The larvae are but poorly known.

TABLE OF GENERA.

BY PROF. W. A. SNOW, REVISED.

1. Eirst longitudinal vein beset with small bristles. ... 2
First longitudinal vein bare 5

2. Ovipositor flattened; ocelli present. ..... 3

Ovipositor not flattened; no ocelli Pyrgotinae.

3. Third antennal joint round or short ovate; ends of auxiliary and

first longitudinal veins widely separated. . Pterocallinae.
Third antennal joint not round or short ovate.* ... 4

4. Neither pro-pleural nor nieso-pleural bristles present; third anten-

nal joint elongate Platystominas.

A nieso-pleural but no pro-pleural bristle present, Cephalinae.
Both a nieso-pleural and a pro-pleural bristle present. Ortalinse.

5. Posterior angle of anal cell drawn out into a lobe, or at least, more

or less acute; femora never armed. . . . TJlidinae.

Posterior angle of anal cell obtuse; rounded or retracted; femora

armed in most of ths genera. . . . Richardiinas .

PYRGOTIN^.

Front strongly projecting; face retreating; oral opening small; pro-
boscis not incrassated; clypeus but little developed; ocelli absent; no
pro-plenral bristle; first longitudinal vein hairy; ovipositor not flat-
tened (1) ' . Pyrgota.

PI.ATYSTOMIN^,
Oral opening very large; clypeus generally very much developed,
and the proboscis proportionately stout; third antennal joint elongate;
mesonotum bristly on the hind part only; pro-pleural and nieso-pleu-
ral bristles absent; female abdomen with five segments; ovipositor
flattened; first longitudinal vein bristly.

* TetropismetlUS Loew has the third antennal joint circular, but its
short stigma or subcostal cell locates it among the Ortalinae.

ORTAUDIM). 275

1. The picture of the wings consists chiefly of a dark border along the

costa, from the base of the stigma to the tip of the wing, with
the first basal cell and the posterior cross-vein clouded; anterior
cross-vein oblique. ........ 6

Flies not having the above characters. ..... 2

2. Posterior angle of the anal cell drawn out into a sharp point.

Ostracocoelia.
Posterior angle of the anal cell rounded. ..... 3

3. Picture of the wings dark, varied with transparent spots and bars. 4
Wings not so marked. ........ 5

4. Scutellum large, flat; occiput but little swollen ; veins of wings

straight and markedly divergent. . . Amphicnephes.

Scutellum smaller, not flattened; occiput much smaller; epistoma

strongly projecting; third and fourth longitudinal veins nearly

parallel, sinuous Platystoma.

5. The picture of the wings consists of four blackish cross-bands, of

which the third is nearly perpendicular, and the fourth lies
along the costa at the apex of the wing; scutellum with four

bristles (5) Rivellia.

Wings without bands; scutellum with two bristles; ant-like flies.

My rmecomyia .

6. Posterior cross-vein prolonged beyond the fourth vein; scutellum

with six bristles, . . . . . . Himeroessa.

Posterior cross-vein not prolonged 7

7. Fifth longitudinal vein bristly. .... Briciniella.
Fifth longititdinal vein not bristly;* scutellum with four bristles (2) .

Stenopterina.
CEPHALIIN^;.
Oral opening very large; clypeus and proboscis greatly developed;
propleural bristle absent; mesopleural bristle present; sixth segment
of the abdomen in the female distinctly developed; ovipositor flatten-
ed; first longitudinal vein bristly.

1. Slender, Sepsis-like flies, resembling Myrmecomyia, with wings
almost hyaline, except for a small infuscation at the stigma and

at the tip • . . . Cephalia.

Wings with a conspicuous picture. ...... 2

* I can not see wherein Bricinnia Walker, to which Giglio-Tos re-
fers a Mexican species, differs from Stenopterina.

276

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

2. Wings dark, with three oblique, more or less arcuated, hyaline

cross-bands; first basal cell expanded before its end. Tritoxa.
Wings not with such markings. ...... 3

3. Wings broad, with a marked excision on the costa near the end of

the auxiliary vein; second vein sinuous (3). Camptoneura.
Flies not having such wings 3

4. Posterior angle of the anal cell retracted (4). . . Idana.
Posterior angle of the anal cell drawn out into a long hole.

Diacrita.
ORTALINjE.

The Ortalinae differ from the Platystominse and Cephalinae in the
usually small oral opening, the less developed clypeus, more slender
proboscis and smaller palpi. The mesonotum is sometimes bristly in
the middle anteriorly, the propleural and mesopleural bristles both
present. Female abdomen with six segments.

1. Face sharply carinate. ........ 2

Face not sharply carinate. 3

2. Third antennal joint circular; hairy species. Tetropismenus.
Third antennal joint ending in a sharp point; pollinose flies.

Tephronota.
Antennae nearly as long as face, rounded at tip; mouth large.

Hiatus.*.

3. Mesonotum bristly in the middle in front; third antennal joint ex-

cised above and with a pointed tip (12). . . Melieria.

Mesonotum not bristly in the middle in front. ... 4

4. Third antennal joint distinctly excised above, pointed at the tip;

fourth longitudinal vein with a marked anterior curvature on its

distal part Anacampta.

Third antennal joint not excised above; fourth vein not so curved. 5

5. Tibiae with preapical bristle Automola.

Tibiae without such bristle. ..... Tetanops.

PTEROCALLINiE.
Trypeta-like; coloring nonmetallic; head rather broad, but low, with
rather protuberant eyes; face short, perpendicular, excavated in the
middle; clypeus but little developed; third antennal joint round or
short oval; mesonotum bristly upon the posterior part only; first longi-
tudinal vein and auxilary vein remote from each other at tip; poste-
rior-angle of the anal cell often drawn out into a long lobe.

* Cresson. Trans. Amer. Eut. Soc. xxxii, 286. 1906.

ORTAUDIM.

277

1. Posterior angle of anal cell drawn out into a long lobe; posterior

cross-vein very oblique. ....... 2

Posterior angle of anal cell not greatly produced. ... 3

2. Wings proportionately narrow, of equal width; round at tip (11) .

Pterocalla.
Wings with much curved hind margin. . . Callopistria.

3. Anterior and posterior cross-veins very oblique. ... 5
Posterior cross-vein rectangular or nearly so. .... 5

4. Scutellum with two bristles Xanthachrona.

Scutellum with four bristles Myennis.

5. Second longitudinal vein straight or nearly so; anterior cross-vein

not oblique. ......... 6

Second longitudinal vein markedly sinuous ; cross-veins approxi-
mated and the anterior one very oblique. Paragorgopis.*

6. Cheeks rather broad; posterior angle of anal cell acute (7).

Pseudotephritis.

Cheeks and face extremely short; eyes transversely oval; posterior

angle of anal cell rectangular. . . . Psairoptera.

ULIDIIN^S.
Head large, hemispherical, proboscis stout, with broad labella; front
broad; antennae usually short; mesonotum bristly in the middle behind
only; first and third longitudinal veins of the wing bare; posterior an-
gle of the anal cell acute, sometimes drawn out into a long lobe.

1. Head conspicuously large ; antennae widely separated at base;

cheeks and face swollen. ....... 2

Head not conspicuously large; antennae not unusually remote at
base. ........... 4

2. Eyes round, about one-half the height of head. ... 3
Eyes higher than long Paroedopa.t

3. Third joint of antennae rounded; front not rugose above (8).

Oedopa.
Third joint of antennas elongate; front rugose above. Eurycephala

4. Antennas long; third joint unusually long. . Stictomyia.t
Antennae shorter, the joint more or less oval. ... 5

* This genus is located here as definitely as the characters given will
permit.

t These genera are inserted after Cresson, 1906, 7.

27S

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

5. Posterior angle of anal cell acnte, but scarcely prolonged lobe-like.

12
Posterior angle of anal cell distinctly drawn out into a lobe. 6

6. Front punctate or scrobiculate.* ...... 7

Front smooth. .......... 10

7. Scutellum flat, with sharp edges; fourth longitudinal vein strongly

curved forward at its distal end; front coarsely rugose. . 9
Scutellum convex, rounded on its edges 8

8. Stigma not unusually elongate. ..... TJlidia.

Stigma elongate, about as long as the costal cell. Acrosticta.
Wings with cross-bands (18) Euphara.

9. Third antennal joint elongate (17). . . Notogramma.
Third antennal joint not elongate. . . . Chrysomyza.

10. Face distinctly projecting below; third antennal joint rounded at

the end. 11

Face retreating; third antennal joint with a sharp anterior angle.
(9) Chsetopsis.

11. Third antennal joint twice as wide as long. . . Zacompsia.
Third antennal joint not twice as wide as long (16.) Euxesta.

12. Body extremely slender. . . . . . . . 13

Body not slender; face carinate Seoptera.

13. Front only slightly projecting in profile; face oblique.

Stenomyia.

Front very much projecting, so that the head is conical and the

face nearly horizontal (13) Eumetopia.

RICHARDIIN^S.

Mesonotum with bristles in the middle posteriorly only; femora
often armed and incrassate; first longitudinal vein bare; posterior an-
gle of the anal cell obtuse; costal vein usually broken just before the
termination of the auxiliary vein; auxiliary and first longitudinal
veins closely approximated, their tips near together.

1. Femora all armed with spines. 3

Front and hind femora only, with spines. . . Sepsisoma.

Front and middle femora unarmed. 2

All the femora unarmed 5

* Smooth in Acrosticta bicolor Cresson.

ORTALIDIM.

279

2. Hind femora incrassate (14). .... Richarula.
Hind femora not incrassate Paneryma.

3. Scutellum with two bristles 4

Scutellum with four bristles; ocelli remote from the vertex; last

section of the fourth vein convergent toward the third (10) .

Coelometopia.

4. Ocelli approximated to the vertex; front not narrowed anteriorly.

Neoidiotypa.
Ocelli remote from the vertex; front somewhat narrowed ante-
riorly; wing narrowed at base (22). . . Stenomacra.
Front projecting; wings not narrowed at base. Cyrtometopa.

5. Head shaped like a long, somewhat flattened cone. Coniceps.
Head not so shaped 6

6. Wings but little developed; anal cell wanting. Steneretma.
Anal cell present; wings fully developed. . . Epiplatea.

XXXVIII. Family RHOPALOMERIM.

Front broad, excavated, with or without short orbital
bristles. Antennae short, third joint rounded or oval, the
arista bare or plumose. Face broad, carinate, tubercu-
late or the oral margin prominent; cheeks broad; clypeus
projecting; vibrissas wanting; proboscis short; palpi
slender or dilated. Thorax elongate, arched, mesonotum
nearly bare; scutellum often prominent and grooved.
Abdomen shorter than the wings, flattened; ovipositor
projecting, telescopic; hypopygium largely concealed.
Femora thickened, the hind tibiae often dilated. Auxil-
iary vein present or absent; basal cells well developed.

Fig. no. Rhopaloineridtc. i. H'iilis/onid/u, head from in front;
2. Apophyrhynchus, head; 3, Rhopalomera, wing.

This group comprises a small number of flies from six
to twelve millimeters in length, of peculiar aspect, hav-
ing a general resemblance to some of the Ephydridae or

2. So

RHOPALOMERIM. 281

Sapromyzidse. I know nothing of their habits, whether
in the adult or immature stages, though I suspect that
they are denizens of wet or damp places. The known
species are confined to Central and South America.

The group is evidently sharply divided into two minor
groups, by the presence or absence of the auxiliary vein
and the length of the first longitudinal vein.

TABLE OF GENERA,
i. Auxiliary vein wanting, the first longitudinal vein short; first pos-
terior cell of the wings not narrowed; palpi slender [Rhinoto-

rincc) Rhinotora.

Auxiliary vein well-developed, the first longitudinal vein longer;
first posterior cell much narrowed in the margin; palpi dilated
( Rhopalomerince) ......... 2

2. Scutellum oval; arista plumose. ...... 3

Scutellum pyramidal, directed obliquely upward; arista plumose or

bare (3, 7, p. 34) Rhopalomera.

3. Front with bristles; face carinate; hind tibiae dilated and with tuber-

cles (1) Willistoniella, Mik.

Front without bristles; face tuberculate; hind tibiae slender (South
America) . ... Apophorhynchus Williston.

XXXIX. Family TRYPKTID^E.

Fig. in. Straussia longipenms, enlarged. After Kellogg.

Head hemispherical; face nearly vertical in profile, or
somewhat retreating, without distinct vibrissa?. Front
broad, bristly on the sides, the lower fronto-orbital bris-
tles situated close to the border of the eyes. Antennae
decumbent, short, rarely elongated. Abdomen composed
of four or five segments; genitalia of the males but little
exposed; the ovipositor jointed, more or less projecting,
Wings rather large ; auxiliary vein present, ending steep-
ly and obscurely in or near the border; posterior basal
cell and the anal cell distinct, the latter often drawn out
into an acute, often prolonged, point. Wings usually
with dark markings. Legs moderately long; tibiae with-
out preapical bristle. Proboscis moderately long, usu-
ally with broad labella; sometimes long, and the narrow
labella folding backwards.

This family comprises a large number of rather small
flies usually with prettily marked wings. The larvae are
not elongate, conical and round ; the posterior stigmata
lie free in two separated small, chitinous platelets, form-
ing three radiating depressions; antennae short, two-
jointed; mouth hooklets separated, thick and strong;
anal end somewhat impressed, often in the middle with

282

TRIPETID.E.

283

six small; fleshy points. Puparia elliptical; the anterior
stigmata projecting somewhat buttonlike. The larvae of
Ceratitis live in the flesh of oranges and lemons, those of
Aciura have been found at the base of the flower stems of
P/ilomis, those of Acida mining in the leaves of Rumex,
those of Spilographa mining in the leaves of Senecio, or
Arctium or bred from the berries of Solatium carolinensis,
in the fruit of Prunus and Lonicera, etc.; those of Ensina,
in the blossoms of Senchus; those of Tephritis in the blos-
soms and galls of the stems or roots of various compositse;
those of Carphotricha in the galls and roots of Achillea,
the flowers of Hieracium, etc.; those of Trypeta in the
heads of Cirsium, Ceutaurea, etc., and in stems of plants.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Ovipositor of female remarkably elongated; second longitudinal

vein usually with a slump of a vein (19). Toxytrypana.

Ovipositor not remarkably elongated and curved. . . 2

2. Front on each side with a bristle having a terminal, leaflike ap-

pendage Ceratitis.

Front without such bristles. ....... 3

3. Wings with colored markings not reticulate. .... 4
Wings hyaline or with the markings reticulate or spotted. . 19

4. Scutellum with six bristles (9). . . . Hexachaeta
Scutellum not with six bristles. ...... 5

5. Fourth longitudinal vein conspicuoxisly curved forward at its tip

(11,20) Anastrepha.

Fourth longitudinal vein not conspicuously curved forward at its
extremity. .......... 6

6. Distal portion of the wings with two hyaline indentations, sepa-

rated by a curved or arched brown projection from the brown
obliqiie cross-band or spot before it, the anterior indentation
more slender, the posterior one (in the second posterior cell,
crossing or not the fourth vein) more triangular in shape. 7

Wings with three such indentations. . . . Polionota.

Wings not so marked. . . . . . . . .11

....-

Figs. 112, 118. Trypetidae. 1, Icterica; 2, Carphotricha; 3, Euaresta; 4, /?m-
treta; 5, Urellia: 6, Tephritis; 7, Oedaspis; 8, Neoaspilota; 9, Hexachceta; 10,
Straussia; 11, Anastrepha; 12, Oedicarena; 15, Polymbrphomyia; 16, Plagioto-

ma; 17, Xenoclueta; 18, Eurosta; 19, Toxotri/pana (Snow); 20, Anastrepha,
head; 21, Euaresta; 22, Eurosta; 28, Urellia; 24, Ensina; 26, Aciura; 27,
Eutreta. (27)

286 NORTH AMERICAN DII'TERA.

7. Body elongate; abdomen narrower than the thorax. . . 8
Body short; abdomen as broad as the thorax. ... 9

8. The hyaline triangle at tip of first vein does not cross the third

vein (IO) Straussia.

The hyaline triangle at tip of first vein crosses the third vein.

Molynoccelia.

9. The horizontal diameter of the eyes remarkably short. Stenopa.
Horizontal diameter of eyes not shorter than usual. . . 10

10. Antepenultimate sectioir of fourth vein straight. . Acidia.
Antepenultimate section of fourth vein curved. Epochroa.

11. Coloring of the body general light, never black. . . 12
Coloring of the body black. ....... 16

12. Wings near the middle with two cross-bands, converging toward

the posterior margin. ....... 13

Wings not with such cross-bands. ..... 14

13. The third longitudinal vein is gently curved backward toward the

tip; head not swollen Spilographa

Third longitudinal vein straight to the extremity; head distinctly
swollen (12). Oedicarena.

14. Wings with four very oblique cross-bands. .... 15
Cross-bands nearly transverse, or dissolved into spots; cross-veins

but little oblique Trypeta.

15. Scutellum tumid, bituberculate Peronyma.

Scutellum of the usual structure, not swollen, though convex (16).

Plagiotoma.

16. Cross-veins conspicuously approximated. ...517
Cross-veins not approximated 18

17. Wings with hyaline indentation and a subapical, arcuate hyaline

cross-vein; scutellum black (15). . Polymorphomyia.
Wings with three brown bands or projections, connected anterior-
ly, the distal one following the costa, the middle one beyond
the middle of the wing, the proximal one toward the base (7) .

Oedaspis.

18. Scutellum with four bristles, yellow; wings with black cross-bands.

Rhagoletis.
Scutellum with two bristles, black; wings with hyaline indenta-
tions along the margin (26). .... Aciura.

TRYPETIM. 287

19. Fifth vein strongly bristly; scutellum with six bristles.

Blephar oneura .
Fifth vein not bristly, scutellum with four or two bristles. 20

20. Wings banded on the apex. ....... 21

Wings not banded on the apex- ...... 22

21. Middle portion of wings finely reticulated. . . Acrotsenia.
Middle portion of wings not finely reticulated. Baryphlegma.

22. Face spotted. .......... 23

Face not spotted. ......... 24

23. Wings very much dilated; pattern of picture not radiating (4, 27) .

Eutreta.
Wings not dilated; with radiating markings along the margin (2).

Carphotricha.

24. Front very broad. ......... 25

Front not very broad. ........ 27

25. Third antennal joint elongate, with a sharp anterior angle; ovipos-

itor flattened. ....... Acidogona.

Third antennal joint short. ....... 26

26. Wings with numerous small spots and larger ones along the distal

margin; ovipositor conical (18,22). - . . Eurosta.
Wings with large, irregular brown spots and hyaline spaces (17).

Xenochseta.

27. Wings without markings, or, on the apical half only with a retic-

ulation dissolved into cross-bands (8) . . Neoaspilota.

Flies not having the above characters. .... 28

28. Wings of an evenly broad shape and with an unusually blunt dis-
tal extremity (1) Icterica.

29

Ensina.
30

Wings of the usual shape, or dilated.

29. Isabella very much prolonged (24) .
Labella not or but little elongated.

30. Wing-markings radiating.

Wing-markings not radiating (6)

3i
Tephritis.

31. The whole, or nearly the whole surface of the wings with an uni-

colorous recticulation (3,21). .... Euaresta.

A star-shaped picture at the distal extremity of the wings, the re.

remaining surface immaculate, or with a very few spots, or

at the most with an obsolete reticulation (5, 23) . Urellia.

XL. Family SAPROMYZID^.

Small species, seldom more than seven millimeters in
length. Head as broad or a little broader than the tho-
rax; front with one or two bristles on each side anteriorly
to those of the vertex; post vertical bristles convergent.
Antennae usually porrect, the third joint more or less
elongated. Face without vibrissa on the oral mar-
gin. Abdomen short ovate. Legs never elongate. Auxil-
iary vein of wings distinct; cross-veins never approxi-
mated; basal cells never obsolete.

j I include in this family the Sapromyzidae and Lonehae-
idae of Loew, Becker and other writers, since I believe
that the relationship between such genera as Palloptera
and Sapromyza is evident, though I appreciate the differ-
ences, and am not very insistent upon their union. The
wings of both the Louchaeinae and Sapromyzinae are often
pictured. Czerney would include the Ochthiphiliiue
( Agromyzidae) in this family.

The larvae of Sapromyza live in decaying vegetable
matter; they are slender, with two distinct mouth-hook-
lets; the entire body, except the anterior segments rough-
ened by very small bristles. The segments are distinctly
constricted, the penultimate segment with four conical
processes in a transverse row, the terminal segment with
two three-jointed processes, between which is the cylin-
drical stigmatic tube. In Loncluca there are no conical
processes on the penultimate segment, and the stigmatic
tubes or processes are small and wart-like.

TABLE OF GKNERA.

i. Tibiae without preapical bristle; front with a single orbital bristle;

ovipositor horny and flattetLed {Lonchesinee). ... 2

Tibiae with a distinct preapical bristle; two fronto-orbital bristles;

ovipositor not horny, ending tube-like {Saprotnyzinoe) . 3

288

SAPROMYZIMv

289

Fig. 114. Sapromyzidse. 1, Lonchcea, wing; 2, Lonchcra, head; 3,
Lonchcea, abdomen of female; 4, Sapromyza, tibia and tarsus; 5, Sap-
romyza, wing; 6, Physogenua (gen. nov.?) head; 7 , Physogeiiua,
head; 8, Lauxania wing; 9, Lauxania, head; 10, Pachycerina, head
(Becker); 11, Pachycerina verticalis, head; 12, Griphoneura, wing.

2QO

NORTH AMERICAN DI1TKRA.

2. Metallic black species; front rather narrow d, 2, 3i. Lonchaea.
Yellow or yellowish species; front broad (p. .So, 15). Palloptera.

3. Arista with short and dense plumosity; anterior fron to-orbital bris-

tles proclinate (IO, 11) . .... Pachycerina.

Arista bare, pubescent or loosely plumose; anterior fronto-orbital

bristles reclinate. ........ 4

4. Face broad, in profile strongly convex below (6, 7). Physogrenua
Face receding. Battened or gently arched. 5

5. First posterior cell ninch narrowed in the margin (12).

Griphoneura.
First posterior cell not or but slightly narrowed in the margin. 6

6. Shining black species; third joint of antennae more elongate (8,9).

Lauxania.

More or less yellow or pollinose species; third joint of antenna; less

elongate (4, 5 1 Sapromyza.*

* From the description and figures I can discover no differences,
save the imperfect anal cell, an unimportant character, to distinguish
Chestocoelia from those species of Sapromyza having pictured wings.

Sapromyza, species; enlarged.

XLI. Family AGROMYZID^.

Front broad, with or without bristles. Antennae short,
the third joint usually rounded, sometimes a little elon-
gate or subquadrate; oral vibrissas usually present.
Arista bare or pubescent, never distinctly plumose; rare-
ly wanting. Genitalia rarely prominent. Wings broad;
auxiliary vein vestigial or indistinct, never clearly sep-
arated, save sometimes in its proximal part, from the
first vein. Second basal and anal cells always small,
oftentimes indistinct, or the second basal united with the
discal; cross- veins often much approximated, never verj^
remote from each other.

This family of small or minute flies, as here defined,
includes four or five groups which various authors have
either given independent rank or united with other
groups. Czerny would unite the Ochthiphilinae with
the Sapromyzidae, in which view I do not concur. The
limits of the Agromyzinae and Milichinae, if there be any,
will only be determined for our American genera by a
more exhaustive study than I can give to them; several
of the genera I do not know: Eusiphona, Hcmeromyia,
Arctobiella, Pa.7odi?iza. Czerny and Hendel make different
combinations than do most other authors. The Agro-
myzinae, according to these authors, have divergent post-
vertical biistles, the Milichinae and Ochthiphilinae con-
vergent.

From the Drosophilidae the members of this family
will be distinguished easily (in the American forms) by
the nonplumose or nonpectinate arista. Nearly all the
genera are at once distinguished from the Oscinidae and
Ephydridae by the distinct, though small, posterior basal
cells; but this character is sometimes difficult to detect

291

292

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 115-

AGROMYZID/E.

293

Figs. 115, 116. Agromyzidse. 1, Auldcig aster, n. sp. (West Indies),
wing; 2, Aulacig aster \ same species, head; 3, Phyllomyza magnipal-
pis, head ($); 4, Platophrymyia nigra, wing; 5, Platophrymyia,
id. head; 6. Agromyza xanthophora, wing; 7, Agromyza (gen. nov.?)
head (J) ! 8, Agromyza jncunda, head; 9, Ceratomyza dorsalis,
wing; 10, Ceratomyza, id. head; 11, Ophthalmomyialacteipennis\ wing;
12, Ophthalmomyia, id. head (J); 13, Rhicnoessa cinerea, head (£);
14, Desmometopa, sp. head; 15, Traginops irrorata, head(Coquillett);
16, Phytomyza, sp. Phytoniyzinse; 17, Ochthiphila polystigma, Och-
thiphilinse; 18, Paramyia, sp. (Georgia), Phytoniyzinse (?); 19, /!////-
chia leucogaster, Milichinae; 20, Agromyza, sp., Agrotnyzinse.

294

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

in such small insects, and will usually require the use
of a compound microscope; indeed such a microscope,
with a one inch or half inch objective, is advised for the
study of most of the species of the family. The absence
or presence of the basal cells is not an important charac-
ter in these and allied flies, and may not even have spe-
cific value. Aulacigaster has been located in various
families, but it seems to find its most natural place here.
From the Geomyzidae the distinction of some of the gen-
era is very difficult, if not impossible at present. One
would better consult that family in case of doubt.

The larvae of Phytomyza, and probably also of Par-
amyia, are leaf miners; those of Ochthiphila have been
found in the galls of Triticum repens. The larvae of Agro-
myza are elliptical in shape, the hind stigmata situated
upon small rounded plates on the under side of the last
segment; the abdomen is provided with false legs, with-
out bristles. The larvae of Lcucopis are cylindrical,
thicker posteriorly; the skin roughened with short hairs;
hind stigmata elongate, tube-like and widely separated.
The larvae creep leech-like, or like geometrid larvae.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Posterior cross-vein absent (Phytomyzinae) . .... 2
Posterior cross-vein present. ....... 3

2. Proboscis elongate, folding; palpi long and tbickened (18).

Paramyia.
Proboscis and palpi not elongated (16). . . Phytomyza.

3 . First posterior cell narrowed in the margin; proboscis long and

geniculate.* Eusiphona.

First posterior cell not or but slightly narrowed in the margin. 4

4. Posterior cross-vein situated before the middle of the wing, the two

cross-veins approximated 5

The cross-veins not approximated. ...... 12

* I do not know this genus, originally described as a tachinid; it
must have a curious resemblance to Slylogaster (Conopidae).

AGROMYZID^E

295

5. Posterior cross-vein opposite or before the anterior cross-vein, that

is the second basal and distal cells together are but little longer

or shorter than the first basal cell. . . Napomyza.

Posterior cross-vein at least its own length beyond the anterior

cross-vein. .......... 6

6. The third antennal joint terminates in a spiny point (9, 10) .

Ceratomyza.
Third antennal joint not terminating in a spiny point. . 7

7. Third antennal joint rounded, of moderate size. 8
Third antennal joint very large, subquadrate (3). Phyllomyza.

8. Arista wholly wanting; second basal and discal cells confluent.

Cryptochaetum.
Arista present. 9

9. Proboscis long and geniculate. ...... 10

Proboscis short and not geniculate. . . . . .11

10. Front long and plane, or concave, longitudinally (4, 5).

Platophrymyia.t
Front shorter and convex (14). . . . Desmometopa.

11. Vibrissas distinctly above oral margin; face strongly convex.

Hemeromyia.
Vibrissae not distinctly above the oral margin (6, 7, 8, 20).

Agromyza.
No distinct vibrissas (see Ephydridas, (25,36). . Pelomyia.

12. Second basal cell united with the discal cell; first basal cell but

little longer than the anal (1, 2) . . . Aulacigaster.
Discal cell separated from the second basal. . . . . 13

13. Oral vibrissas present (Milichinas). ..... 14

Oral vibrissas wanting; postvertical bristles convergent; auxiliary

vein usually distinct from first longitudinal through a consider-
able part of its course (Ochthiphilinas) . .... 21

14. Costa with a distinct incision before the tip of the first vein. 15
Costa not with such incision. ...... 16

15. First posterior cell narrowed in the margin; posterior orbits with

a distinct incision (11 12) .... Ophthalmomyia.

First posterior cell not narrowed in the margin; posterior orbits

not incised (19) Milichia.

t I am not sure of the distinction of this genus from Desmometopa.

296

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

16. Front projecting forward anteriorly in a high angular eminence

(15) Traginops.

Front not so projecting. ....... 17

17. Vibrissa not well differentiated from the adjacent hairs; rather

thickly haired species; eyes densely pubescent. Arctobiella.
Vibrissas distinctly differentiated. ...... 18

18. Mesonotum with bristles on the sides only. . . Cacoxenus.
Mesonotum with bristles in the middle also. . . 19

19. Only two pairs of fronto-orbital bristles. . . Parodinia.
Three or four pairs of fronto-orbitals 20

20. In addition to the usual fronto-orbital bristles there is an inner

row of frontal bristles or bristly hairs (13). . Rhicnoessa.
No additional row of bristles Odinia.

21. Head triangular in outline, the front strongly projecting, the face

much retreating, almost horizontal. . . Acrometopia.
Head not of such form 22

22. No orbital or ocellar bristles. .... Leucopis
Orbital bristles present 23

23. Front with a transverse groove near the middle. Pseudodinia.
Front not with transverse groove (17). . Ochthiphila.

XLII. Family GEOMYZID^.

Head rounded, usually with vibrissas at oral margin;
front broad, with one, two or three pairs of fronto-orbital
bristles; postvertieal bristles convergent. Antennas
short, the third joint rounded or a little elongated, with a
bare, pubescent, pectinate or plumose arista. Wings
comparatively long; auxiliary vein always coalescent
distally with the first vein; posterior basal and the anal
cells small but distinct.

Fig. 117. Geomyzidae. 1, Sinophthalmus pictus, wing; 2, Sinoph-
thahnus pictus, head; 3, Spilochroa ornata, wing; 4, Spilochroa orna-
ta, head; 5, Anthomyza tenuis, wing; 6, Anthomyza tetiuis, front; 7,
Anthomyza tenuis, front leg; 8, Chiromyiaflava, wing; 9, Chiromyia
flay a, head.

This small group of small flies, as here limited, in-
cludes the Geomyzidae and Opomyzidae of L,oew, and the
Anthomyzidae of Czerny. The limits of the family are

(28) 297

29S

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

not at all sharp, and no two writers agree as to what they
are; indeed there seem to be none. Curtonotum is not in-
eluded here, but will be found among the Drosophilidae.
Tauromyia, which v. d. Wulp thought might belong to
this group, is most assuredly not a Geomyzid.

The larvae of those few species of which the habits are
known, live in the stems of plants.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Oral vibrissa; distinctly differentiated. ..... 2

Oral vibrissa? absent or indistinctly differentiated from adjacent

hairs. ........... 8

2. Mesonotum bristly in the middle in front 3

Mesonotum bristly in the middle on the posterior part only. 5

3. Arista pectinate above; one orbital bristle. . . Balioptera.
Arista not pectinate; two fronto-orbital bristles. ... 4

4. Cheeks as broad as the vertical diameter of the eyes; wings un-

marked. Zagonia.

Cheeks narrow; wings variegated {Heterochroa {Peratochtztus) 01-
nata Johnson) (3,4). . . . Spilochroa Will.

5. Under side of front femora with bristles or bristle-like spines. 6
Under side of front femora not with bristles or spines. Diastata.

6. Second longitudinal vein strongly cnrved forward, flexnons (p. 80,

14). Ischnomyia.

Second longitudinal vein not flexuous. ..... 7

7. Face with a nose-like carina above; no postvertical bristles; front

with one proclinate bristle on each side (1, 2) .

Sinophthalmus .
Face not carinate; tworeclinate bristleson each side (5, 6, 7).

Anthomyza.

8. Occiput flattened; wings spotted 9

Occiput convex; wings not spotted (8, 0, Scyphelld) .

Chiromyia Rezzi.

9. Arista long plumose. Scutops.

Arista not plumose Opomyza.

XIvIII. Family DROSOPHILJD^.

Face nearly vertical in profile, with oral vibrissae,
which are sometimes weak. Front with long bristles,
not reaching to the anterior part; postvertical bristles
convergent; foremost orbital bristle usually proclinate.
Third joint of the antennae oval or rounded, the first two
short; arista almost always plumose or strongly pectin-
ated, though sometimes the rays may be much reduced
in number or, rarely, entirely wanting. Abdomen usu-
ally short; more elongate in Curtonotum. Auxiliary vein
incomplete or indistinct; an incision in the costa before
the termination of the first vein ; first longitudinal vein
short, not reaching a third of the length of the wing;
posterior basal cell usually united with the discal cell,
though sometimes complete ; anal cell usually present,
but sometimes indistinct or entirely wanting; posterior
cross- vein absent in Astcia.

The species of this family are almost always small, sel-
dom exceeding a length of five or six millimeters and
usually from one to three; of rather a plump appearance,
giving a feeling of coldness to the fingers when grasped.
The bristles of the front are usually conspicuous, but the
body is without hair. The flies are often caught with
the beat-net, and some species are especially abundant
about decomposing or fermenting fruit, cider refuse, wine
vats, vinegar, etc.; and some are annoying to the house-
wife about preserves; even the breath of one who has
recently drank wine seems to attract them.

The great majority of the species the student meets
are easily enough located by the absence of the auxiliary
vein and second posterior cell together with the plumos-
ity of the arista and distinct oral vibrissae. Unfortunate-

299

3oo

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 118. Drosophilidse. t, Phortica, wing; 2, Phortica, head; 3,
Stegana, wing; 4, Stegana, front leg of male; 5, Drosophila, wing; 6,
Drosophila, wing; 7, Siga/oessa (?) ; wing; S Drosophila, front, show-
ing bristles; 9, Leucophenga, wing; 10, Curtonotum, wing; 11, o^/--
touoiinn, head.

DROSOPHILID^e. 30 !

ly there are not a few which, as at present understood,
are not so easily distinguished from two or three other
families, especially the Ephydridae and Oscinidse, those
in which the second basal cell is usually incomplete; and
the student would best consult those families when in
doubt. Aulacig aster has been refused admission here and
referred to the Ephydridae by some ; others would locate
it here or among the Agromyzidae. Curtonotum has also
somewhat doubtful claims for admission here, since the
auxiliary vein, in some species at least, is less rudimen-
tary. Because of the characteristically proclinate fore-
most orbital bristle and general structure of the head,
especially, I believe that its claims are good for location
with the true Drosophilidae; at least I am confident that
it does not belong with the Geomyzidse, where it is often
located. Asteia and Sigalo'essa, or at least the former,
were placed by L,oew in a distinct family. True Sigaloes-
sa agree best in habitus with the Oscinidae; but there are
other forms that must for the present at least be placed
in the genus, which seem to be nearest to Drosophila.
Stenomicra, judging from the description, must also be
an aberrant form.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Discal anil second basal cells united. ..... 3

Discal and second basal cells separated by a cross-vein. . . 2

2. Second and third veins markedly convex anteriorly; first posterior

cell narrowed in the wing margin; front tarsi of male dilated (in
some species at least) ; wings appearing as though broken
down over the abdomen (3,4). . ■ . . Stegana.

Second ami third veins not markedly convex; wings not appearing
as though broken down (p. 80, 12, and 1, 2) . Phortica.*

* The species of Phortica figured in 1, 2 (from South America, a fe-
male specimen) has the first posterior cell much narrowed in the mar-
gin. Phortica Scutellaria (West Indies) has the male front tarsi
dilated, but the first posterior cell wide open. I do not know whether
the dilated front tarsi is a generic character or not, or whether there
are forms included in Phortica which should be separated generically.

3o2 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

3. Second section of the costa much shorter than the third;* anal cell

wanting. .......... 4

Second section of the costa at least as long as the third. . 5

4. Posterior cross-vein ahsent. ..... Asteia.t

Posterior cross-vein present (7 and 7 Oscinidae). Sigaloessa.t

5. Arista hare, except for a single ray near its base; two fronto-orhital

bristles on each side Cladochseta.

Arista plumose or with numerous pectinations. ... 6

6. The costa reaches to the third vein or a little beyond. . . 7
The costa reaches to the fourth vein or a little beyond. . . 8

7. Costa with sparse but conspicuous bristles; thorax arched, bristly

behind; scutellum with long bristles; abdoman elongate, droop-
ing; larger flies (lO, 11) Curtonotum.

Costa not with bristly pectinations (9). . , Leucophenga.t

8. Ultimate section of fourth vein seven or eight times longer than the

penultimate; a single fronto-orbital brittle on each side; no alu-
lae; first posterior cell narrowed in the margin. Stenomicra.i?
Ultimate section of fourth vein not more than four times the length
of the penultimate; first posterior cell not appreciably narrowed
in the margin (5,6,8) Drosophila.

* If first basal cell but little longer than the anal, and the arista bare
or pubescent, see Aulacigaster (Agromyzidae) .

t I do not know Asleia, but the venation of the type species of the
genus seems to be almost identical with that of Sigaloissa as figured
with the Oscinidae (7), save that the posterior cross-vein is absent.
The venation of Si^aloessa as there given is the more typical; that
given in fig. 7 herewith is apparently that of Schiner (South America
and West Indies). In which family the genera should be placed is at
present a mere matter of opinion.

% Including such species as Drosophila frontalis and perhaps others
described as Drosophihc.

>,, This genus seems to be peculiar in its approximated cross-veins,
and single fronto-orbital bristle. I do not know it.

XI.IV. Family EPHYDRIDjE.

Face more or less, often remarkably convex. Antennae
short; first joint small; antennal arista bare or pubescent,
or pectinated upon the upper side. Oral cavity rounded,
usually large; clypeus distinct, in some cases retracted
within the oral cavity and not visible, in others very
prominent; without distinct vibrissal bristle. Abdomen
of variable form, composed of six segments in the males,
seven in the females, never elongated; sexual organs
usually retracted. Wings rarely aborted; auxiliary vein
coalescent for the most part with the first longitudinal
and distinct only at its proximal end; distinct through-
out in Canace; costa broken before tip of first vein and
more or less distinctly a little distance beyond the hum-
eral cross-vein; second basal cell confluent with the dis-
cal cell, the anterior basal cross-vein entirely absent or
only dimly visible; distinctly present in Canace only;
anal cell imperfect and small; distinct in Ca?iace and Pe-
lomyia. Middle tibiae with spur; no preapical bristle.
Body usually bare or nearly so of hairs.

The flies of this family are never large, often small or
even minute. The greater number of species are inhab-
itants of wet places, about marshy ground, meadows,
etc., and are usually caught in the beating net. They
are always thinly pilose or bare species, and never with
bright colors. The extraordinarily large mouth of some
species is very characteristic, but in others this character
is not so apparent; and there is sometimes difficulty in
separating the genera from those of the Drosophilidae.

The name of 'brine flies' or 'salt water flies' has some-
times been given to the family, but not very happily,
since the greater number live about fresh water. Brachy-

3°3

304

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 119. Ephydriilte. Psilopa nigra, head; 2, Psilopa aciculaia,
wing. 3, Allotrichoma abdominalc, head ; 4, Parephydra facialis,
head; 5, Iiphydra pygmcca, head; 6, Notiphila, sp., wing; 7. Hydrina
nitida, head; 8, Hydrina nilida, wing; 9, Hydrcllia parva . wing; 10,
Ochlheroidea alia, wing; 11, Athyroglossa nitida, head. 12, Disce-
rn y~a dubia, head.

deutera argcntata has a wide distribution over all of North
and South America, the West Indies, Hawaiian Islands,
etc. The flies of this species have the under surface of
the body of a silvery, non-wetable character, enabling
the insects to run about on the surface of the water. The
larvae doubtless live in the water, though not necessarily
in foul water as has been thought.

The larvae of many forms are peculiar, resembling

EPHYDRID.^.

305

somewhat the rat-tailed larvae of the Syrphidae. The
mouth, however, always has hooklets, and the 'tail' is

Fig. 120. Ephydridte. 13, Lytogaster, sp. (Illinois), wing; 14, Lytogaster^
abdomen; 15, Lytogaster, head; 1(5, Ochthera, sp. wing; 17, Ochthera, sp. front
leg; 18, Ochtheroidea atra, male, front leg; 19, Brack gdeutera argentata, wing;
20, Brackydeutera argentata, head; 21, Discocerina, sp. head; 22, Discocerina,
sp. bristles of front; 23, Gastrops, sp. head; 24, Parydra sp. wing; 25, Pelo-
myia occidentalis, bristles of thoracic dorsum; 26, 27, Lipochceta, head (Co-
quillett).

3o6

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

forked at the end. The larvae of species of Notiphila have
been observed in the stems of water plants; those of Hy-
drellia in the sap of trees, in the parenchyma of the leaves
of Lemna, on Alisma, etc., those of Pclina, Ephv<hay
Parydra, etc., in water, often salt or alkaline.

The bristly spine of the second antennal joint is some-
times not easily discernible. I have included in both
sections some of the genera about which doubt may arise.

Fig. 121. Ephydridae. 28, Beekeriella bispinosa, wing; 29,Parydra bituber-
citlata, head: 30, Mosillus, sp. wing; 31, Mosillus, sp. head; 32, Scatella sta<i-
fialis, wing; 33, Ilythea Jiavipes, wing; 34, llyihea flavipes, head; 35, Pelomyia
occidentalis, head; 30, Paralimna, sp. middle tibia; 37, Genus '. (Illinois).

TABLE OF GENERA.

i. Second basal and anal cells complete; auxiliary vein distinct

throughout; third antennal joint spherical. . . Canace.

Second basal cell confluent with discal cell; auxiliary vein coales-

cent distally with first vein. ...... 2

2. Antenna; small, inserted remotely in cavities, the arista atrophied;

eyes pubescent; bristleless flies (26, 27t. . Lipochaeta.
Not such flies 2

3. Second joint of antenna.' with a spinous bristle at upper distal cor-

ner. ........... 4

Second antennal joint without such bristle 16

EPHYDRIM.

307

4. The costal vein reaches to the tip of the third longitudinal vein. 5
The costal vein reaches to the tip of the fourth vein. . . 6

5. Tip of male abdomen with two elongated, upwardly curved bris-

tles; two fronto-orbital bristles present. . . Dichseta.

Tip of male abdomen without such bristles; a single orbito-frontal

bristle present (6). ' Notiphila.

6. Abdomen broad, nearly circidar in outline ; palpi broad ; arista

pectinate (12) Discomyza.

Not such flies. .......... 7

7. Face on upper part flat or gently convex, not carinate. . 8
Face distinctly carinate above. . . . . . .11

8. Third antennal joint longer than broad (1, 2). . Psilopa.
Third antennal joint rounded, not longer than broad. . . 9

9. Front with two pairs of bristles in the middle below the ocelli, di-

rected forward. Paratissa.

Front not with such bristles. ....... 10

10. Mouth of large size; arista pectinate. . . . Ptilomyia.
Mouth small; arista bare; four pairs of strongly developed dorso-

central bristles present; anal cell small but distinguishable (25,
35) Pelomyia.*

11. Oral opening large; three or four bristles on either side of the face

below. ........... 12

Oral opening not large. . . . . . . . 13

12. Clypeus prominent; ocellar bristles inserted above lowermost

ocellus (4). Parephydra.

Clypeus small or hidden (33, 34) Ilythea.

13. Clypeus prominent; face gibbous below, . . . 15
Clypeus projecting but little from oral cavity. ... 14

14. Eyes long; cheeks narrow; face feebly or not at all gibbous (21,

22) Discocerina-

Eyes round; cheeks broad; face gibbous; scutellum with four bris-
tles (3) Allotrichoma.

15. Arista bare; third and fourth veins gently convergent distally;

head without strong bristles (30, 31) . . . Mosillus.

Arista pectinate; third and fourth veins not at all convergent (11) .

Athyroglossa.

* I suspect that this genus belongs with the Agromyzidse. I have
seen specimens from Massachusetts, scarcely distinguishable
specifically, in which the second basal cell is complete.

3oS

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

16. Middle tibia; with several long bristles on the outer side (36i.

Paralimna.
Middle tibia; not with long bristles exteriorly. ... 17

17. Face with a large protuberant gibbosity, below which the profile is

nearly vertical; abdomen broad; legs hairy (23). Gastrops.
Face at most only evenly convex; legs not noticeably hairy. 18

18. Oral opening small . . 19

Oral opening large. 27

19. Front femora thickened. ....... 20

Front femora not unusually thickened. .... 21

20. Front femora much thickened, their tibia? with a terminal spine;

third and fourth veins convergent distally (16, 17). Ochthera-

Front femora moderately thickened, with spines on the under side

distally, in the male at least; first posterior cell not narrowed:

smaller species (18) . . , . . . Ochtheroidea.

21. Second segment of the abdomen as long as the three following

together; eyes densely pubescent. . . . Nostima.
Second segment of abdomen shorter than the two following to-
gether. ........... 22

22. Fourth abdominal segment unusually long and broad; arista bare;

sixth vein unusually convex before the cross-vein: third anten-
na] segment obtusely angulated above; eyes bare (13, 14. 15).

Lytogaster Becker.*
Fourth abdominal segment not unusually long and broad. 23

23. Eyes thickly but short pubescent (9). . . . Hydrellia.
Eyes sparsely pubescent or bare 24

24. Mesonotum with four strongly developed dorsocentral bristles on

each side; arista bare; oral opening small; face without strong

bristles (25, 35) Pelomyia.

Mesonotum with three or four dorsocentral bristles. . . 25

25. Sides of the face wholly without bristles. . . Hyadina.
Sides of the face with bristles 26

26. Eyes wholly bare; clypeus projecting Pelina.

Eyes sparsely pubescent; clypeus hidden (Philygra) (7, 8).

Hydrina.

* I refer to this genus two undetermined species, one from Illinois,
the other from Brazil. The face, however, is not or but feebly carin-
ated above; the fifth segment is also large, the abdomen very convex
distally.

EPHYDRIDvE. 309

27. Clypeus prominent 28

Clypens hidden • . . 29

28. The costal vein reaches to the third longitudinal vein (19, 20) .

Brachydeutera.
The costal vein reaches to the tip of the fourth vein (24, 29) .

Parydra.

29. Claws almost straight; pulvilli indistinct (5). . Ephydra.
Claws curved; pulvilli distinct 30

30. Oral border quite bare (33, 34). .... Ilythea.
Oral border bristly. 31

31. Arista pubescent (32). Scatella.

Arista pectinated. ........ Csenia.

Ochthera humilis, enlarged.

29

XLV. Family OSCINID^E.

Small, bare species. Head usually hemispherical; face
usually nearly vertical in profile; oral border rarely with
vibrissae; front broad, flattened, sometimes with bristles.
Antennae usually short and the third joint rounded. Gen-
italia hidden. Wings moderately or very short; auxil-
iary vein vestigial; posterior basal cell united with discal
cell; posterior cross-vein sometimes wanting; anal cell
vestigial or wholly absent. Legs short; femora rarely
thickened; tibiae without preapical bristle.

This family of flies is always sure to be represented by
numerous specimens and species in any collection of dip-
tera. The flies are very common, and are collected in
large numbers by the swreep-net from rank growing grass
and over meadow-lands. Most characteristic of the fan -
ily is the absence of auxiliary vein and the posterior
basal and anal cells, in these respects, however, agree-
ing with the Ephydridae, from which they will usually
be distinguished by their lighter colors — the Ephydrids
are almost invariably black, — the smaller mouth, the
usually bare arista, the occasional presence of oral vibris-
sae, etc.

The larvae of several species of Osctnis have been bred
from wheat, oats, rye and grass stems, and Phragmites;
the larvae of Siphonella from Cirsium, etc. The larvae
are thick, cylindrical, with stout mouth-hooklets; the
abdomen has fleshy protuberances for locomotion ; the
antennas are two-jointed.

Aldrich has recently expressed the suspicion that the
genus I appelates is not well founded, and I am inclined
to agree with him. While the presence of a booklet at
the tip of the hind tibiae would seem decisive, yet its

310

OSCINID^.

3"

presence in the genus Ceratobarys, and the structure of
the proboscis in Hippelates would seem to render proba-
ble that a thorough revision of the genera of this family
may eliminate some now generally accepted.

Fig. 122. Oscinidae. i, Hippelates, sp.; 2, Elachiptera, sp.; 3,

Gaurax anchora, head; 4, Eurina e.ri/is, head; 5, Meromyza ameri-

cana, wing; 6, Meromyza americana, hind leg; 7, Siga/oessa, n. sp.
wing (Illinois).

312

NORTH AMKRICAN DIPTKRA.

Fig. 123. Oscinidse. 8, Siphonella, n. sp. venation; 9, Siphonella,
head; 10, Ectecephala (?) species (Brazil), head; 11, Ectecephala, wing;
12, /Cur ina, sp. antenna.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. The costal vein reaches to the tip of the third longitudinal vein

or a little beyond. ........ 10

The costal vein reaches to the tip of the fourth longitudinal vein. 2

2. Second longitudinal vein very short, terminating in the costa near

or but little beyond the insertion of the first vein. . . 3

The second section of the costa is at least as long as the third sec-
tion. ........... 4

3. Posterior cross-vein absent Asteia.

Posterior cross-vein present (7) Sigaloessa.

4. Antennal bristle thickened, style-like. .... 5
Antennal arista as usual, slender, bare, pubescent or rarely plu-
mose. ........... 6

5. Hind tibiae with a curved spur at the tip on inner side.

Ceratobarys.
Hind tibite without such spur (2) . . . Elachiptera.

6. Hind tibite with a curved spur at tip on inner side; proboscis often

elongated and geniculate (1) Hippelates.

Hind tibiae without such spur. 7

osciNime.

313

7. Facs concave in profile, the oral margin produced. . . 8
Face receding in profile, the oral margin not produced. . 9

8. Oral vibrissae wanting; proboscis often elongated and folding (8,

9) Siphonella.

Oral margin with vibrissae; proboscis fleshy, not folding ; front
with bristles (see fig. 37, Ephydridae. Genus new?)

9. Third antennal joint round or oval, with a bare or pubescent dor-

sal arista.* Oscinis.

Third antennal joint more reniform, with a subterminal short-
plumose arista; eyes pubescent (3). . . . Gaurax.

10. No posterior cross-vein; first three longitudinal veins curved

forward Elliponeura.

Posterior cross-vein present. . . . . . . 11

11. Head produced conically in front. ..... 12

Head not produced conically in front. ..... 13

12. Third antennal joint much longer than wide; eyes large; front

excavated. Ectecephala.

Third antennal joint but little longer than wide, oval or reniform;
eyes not large; front not narrowed nor excavated (4, 12).

Eurina.

13. Hind femora much thickened (5, 6) . . . Meromyza.
Hind femora not thickened Chlorops.

* If shining black species, the face rather convex and roughened,
the arista bare, compare Mosillus, Ephydridae.

XLVI. Family DIOPSIDjE.

Fig. 124. Sphyracephala brevicornis, enlarged.

Small, bare species. Head prolonged into a lateral pro-
cess on each side bearing the eye; front bristly on the
upper part only; no vibrissas on the border of the mouth.
Front femora thickened. Auxiliary vein much approx-
imated to the first longitudinal vein; discal and second
basal cells confluent.

But a single species of this family, Sphyracephala brev-
icornis Say, is known from North America, and it will
be easily enough recognized by the singular eye-stalks.
The habits, whether of the adults or larvae, are not
known, nor are they known of any other member of the
family, so far as I am aware.

314

XLVII. Family BORBORID^E.

Rather small to very small, black, brown or obscurely
yellowish flies, having a quick, short flight. Head hem-
ispherical; vibrissse present ; front broad, usually bristly.
Antennae short; third joint rounded or obtusely pointed
with a dorsal or terminal, bare or pubescent arista.
Wings rarely absent ; auxiliary vein wanting or indis-
tinct, never clearly separated; second basal and anal
cells often incomplete or absent. Legs moderate^ long
and strong; hind metatarsi usually dilated and abbre-
viated.

Fig. 125. Borboridse. 1. Sphcerocera, wing; 2, Limosina venali-
cia, wing; 3, Limosina perparva, wing; 4, Limosina perparva, an-
tenna; 5, Limosina lugubris, wingj 6, Borborus. sp. wing; 7, Bor-
borus, sp. antenna; 8, Borborus, sp. hind tibia and tarsus.

315

3i6 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

The flies of this family are almost invariably found
about decomposing organic matter. Those belonging to
Borborus and Sphccroccra are observed, often in clouds,
about dung and refuse, where their larvae live. The
small flies of the genus Limosina are seen in abundance
in marshy places in company with the smaller ephydrids.

The larvae of Borborus are cylindrical, with the skin
roughened by erect, minute bristles; the antennae are
two-jointed, the mouth-hooklets well developed; the pos-
terior end has conical processes near the anus, and small-
er tubercles about the spiracles; in Limosina the hind
stigmata are tube-like. The larvae of Limosina live in
fungi, algae, diseased potatoes, and perhaps water.

TABLE OF GENERA.

i. Wingless species, Aptilotus.

Wings fully developed 2

2. Fourth and fifth longitudinal veins incomplete or obsolescent be-

yond the discal cell; second basal cell incomplete (2, 3, 4, 5).

Limosina.

Fourth vein at least, fully developed; second basal and the anal

cells complete 3

3. Scutellum with well-developed bristles; fifth vein incomplete be-

yond discal cell; metatarsi shorter than second joint (6, 7, 81.

Borborus.
Scutellum without bristles; fifth vein complete (1). Sphserocera.

XI/VIII. Family PHYCODROMID^E.

Mesonotum, scutellum and abdomen flat. Front bristly;
cheeks and face bristly, the vibrissas indistinctly differ-
entiated. Legs stout, all the tibiae spurred and with a
preapical bristle on the outer side ; metatarsi not abbre-
viated; terminal joint of all the tarsi incrassate and with
stout claws. Venation complete; auxiliary vein distinct
in its entire course; costa without bristles; basal cells
not very small.

Fijf. 126. Phycodromidse. Ccelopa, wing, head, and front tibiae

and tarsus of male.

But two genera of this family are known from North
America. Species of the genus Ccelopa are observed,
often in abundance, among sea-weeds thrown up by
the waves along the sea-shore. Recently Mr. Coquillett
has added another genus, Omomyia, from California (Ca-
nadian Entomologist, 1907, p. 76), differing from Ccelopa
in having the scutellum nearly one-half as long as the
mesonotum, distally subtruncated, bare, and with two
pairs of lateral bristles. The habits of the type species
(O. hirsida) are not given.

31/

XLIX. Family HETERONEURID^.

Head broad, subhemispherieal. Face short, nearly
vertical; vibrissas present. Front broad, bristly to or
nearly to the root of the antennae. Ocellar bristles usu-
ally present; postvertical bristles divergent. Antennae
porrect; first two joints short, the third usually rounded;
arista bare, pubescent or short plumose. Proboscis short;
palpi rather broad. Body more or less elongate. Legs
rather long and slender; tibiae with or without a preapi-
cal bristle. Venation complete; basal cells small; first
longitudinal vein short, the auxiliary narrowly sepa-
rated from it; sixth vein not reaching the wing margin.

The members of this small family of rather small flies
are to be found throughout the summer in shady places
by the sides of brooks, or in the forests about the trunks
of decaying trees; in damp meadowy places among the
grass; on leaves, etc.

Larvae of this family have been found in decaying wood,
under bark of trees, etc. They are slender, cylindrical,
slightly thickened posteriorly, white in color. The mouth
booklets are very small, the body segments not distinctly
separated; abdominal segments with a transverse swell-
ing for locomotion. The larvae have the power of leap-
ing as have those of Piophila. The act is performed by
fixing the mouth booklets in the two chitinous, straight
or curved booklets on the upper side of the last segment
and then suddenly releasing them. The puparia are
yellowish, ellipsoidal and with two horns on the last
segment as in the larvae.

Mr. Czerny has attempted recently to break up the
genus Heteroneura, using for generic characters the bris-
tles of the front chiefly. I gravely doubt whether all

3i8

HETERONEURID^.

319

his genera will be found valid eventually. Heteringomyia
he diagnoses as differing from Hete?'oneura in the absence
of cruciate bristles (a pair of small bristles toward the
middle of the lower part of the front) and the absence of
preapical bristle on the tibiae. H. flavipes, lumbalis and
valida lack the cruciate bristles, but one of them, {H.
lumbalis) has a distinct preapical bristle, so that this
character is rendered invalid, or the cruciate bristle char-

fo",»r/Mnrara!riiil|itifninriini-||iiirr'''nr',m|lW

Fig. 127. Heteroneuridse. 1, Heleroneura, wing; 2, Heteroneura,
head from in front showing arrangement of bristles (Czerny) ; 3,
Heteringomyia, head from in front showing arrangement of bristles
(Czerny) ; 4, Ch&loc/usia, head; 5, Chcztoclusia, wing; 6, Helero-
neura, head; 7, Clusia, head (Czerny).

320 MiRTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

acter; which I leave for Mr. Czerny to decide. His
genus Hendelia he distinguishes from Heteroncura by the
absence of the post-vertical bristles, and the more remote
insertion of the antennae from each other. Mr. Coquillett
has added another, based chiefly on the absence of both
postvertical and cruciate bristles. Still another from
South America (fig. 6) differs in the arrangement of
these bristles. Possibly such a division of the species
is natural, but I am yet to be convinced that it is. I
omit the preapical bristle character in the table, since
that, at least, seems worthless, as was observed long ago
by Loew.

TABLE OF GENERA,
i. Cross veins approximated, the penultimate section of the fourth
vein not more than one fourth the length of the ultimate sec-
tion 2

Cross veins not approximated; the penultimate section of the fourth
vein at least one-third the length of the ultimate section (7 and
p. 8o, 16.) • Clusia.

2. Postvertical, ocellar-aud cruciate bristles distinct ( Clusiodes Coq. )

(1, 2) Heteroneura.

Post-vertical and ocellar bristles present, the cruciate absent (3).

Heteringomyia.

Postvertical and cruciate bristles absent, the ocellar obsolescent;

distal end of first vein bristly (4, 5) . . . Chaetoclusia.

For Peratochcctus ornatus, see Geomyzidte {Spi/oc/iroa.)

h. Family SCIOMYZID^.

Fig. [28. Tetanocera umbrarum, enlarged.

Head short*, as broad or broader than the thorax; face
more or less retreating ; mouth without Vibrissas at its
border, the margin angular. Abdomen composed of six
segments, rather long and narrow. Wings longer than
the abdomen; auxiliary vein present, distinctly separated
from the first longitudinal vein; posterior basal cell and
the anal cell complete. Legs rather long; preapical
tibial bristle present.

* The genus Trigonometopus will be brought here by the family
table. It has been variously referred to the Heteroneuridse, Sciomy-
zidse, Ortalididae, Sapromyzidae by authors. It will be recognized by
itsprojecting head and very retreating face.

(3«) 32i

322

NORTH AMERICAN DIl'TERA.

The members of this family are usually found in mead-
ows, along the banks of small streams, etc., wherever it
is moist. They are, for the most part, brown or brownish
yellow in color, oftentimes with pictured wings. They
are slow in their habits. The larvae are slender, cylin-
drical, thin anteriorly; the last segment with six or eight
conical, fleshy tubercles. They are aquatic.

Fix. I29- Sciomyzidae. i, Sepedon, wing; 2, Sepedon, hind leg;
3, Sepedon, head; 4. Tetanocera, Wing; 5, Tetanocera, head; 6, Scio-
myza, \vinj4; 7, Sctomyza, head; S, Thecpmyia, head; 9, Trigonome-
topus, head.

sciomyzim;. 323

table of genera.

1. Second joint, at least, of antennae short. .... 2
Antennae elongated. ......... 8

2. Face excavated, the oral margin protuberant. .... 4
Face retreating in profile, but little or not at all excavated; oral

margin but little or not at all prominent. .... 3

3. Head strongly projecting forward (9). . Trigonometopus.
Head not at all projecting (7) . .... Sciomyza.

4. Cheeks broader than the long diameter of the eyes; oral border

moderately protuberant; costa somewhat spinose. Actora.*

Cheeks not broader than the long diameter of the eyes; oral margin

very prominent; costa bare. 5

5. Clypeus prominent. , ........ 6

Clvpeus not prominent. ........ 7

6. Scutellum with four bristles on its border. . Neuroctena.
Scutellum with six bristles (p. 80, 17, 18). . Heterocheila.

7. Front tibiae with a preapical bristle. . . . Bischofia.
Front tibiae without preapical bristle. . . . Dryomyza.

8. Hind femora long; second antennal joint much elongated, longer

than the third. ......... 9

Hind femora only moderately elongated and but little thickened;
second antennal joint as long or a little shorter than the third
(5) Tetanocera.

9. Hind femora thickened; face not produced downward (1, 2, 3).

Sepedon.
Hind femora not thickened; face much produced downward (8).

Thecomyia.

* Of doubtful occurrence in North America.

LI. Family HELOMYZID^.

Fig. 130. Leria pubescetis, enlarged. After Washburn.

Face nearly vertical, or retreating, with oral vibrissas;
front bristly on the posterior half only; antennae short.
Abdomen rather broad and long, composed of six seg-
ments; male genitalia somewhat prominent. Wings com-
paratively large; all the basal cells distinct; costa usu-
ally bristly; first longitudinal vein bare. Tibiae with
spurs and preapical bristle.

The flies of this rather small family are found in grassy,
shady and damp places, on windows, etc. They feed
upon decaying animal or vegetable substances, fungi,
excrement, etc. Many species live in caves and burrows.
The larvae of Lena have been bred from bat and rabbit
dung; those of Helomyza from truffles, decaying wood,
etc. They are cylindrical, obtuse behind, more pointed
in front; the antennae are situated upon long conical pro-
cesses; mouth booklets large and pointed: the seven

324

HELOMYZID^E.

325

abdominal segments on each side in front widened, below
with bristly pseudopods.

For Curtonotum, a genus with pectinate eosta, see Dro-
sophilidas.

Fig. 131. Scoliocentra helvola, enlarged.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. A humeral bristle present. ....
No humeral, no propleural bristle. .

2. No bristle above base of front coxae (propleural).
A bristle above base of front coxae. .

3. Spurs of middle tibiae curved (3 and fig. 131).
Spurs of middle tibiae not curved 4

4. Face much retreating in profile, the anterior oral border oblit-

erated; four dorsocentral bristles present (2). Anorostoma.
Face not conspicuously retreating. ...... 5

Helomyza.

Allophyla.

3

Scoliocentra-

326

MiRTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 132. Helomyzidae. 1, lurid, sp. wing; 3, Anorostoma, head;
5. Scoliocentra helvola, middle tibia and tarsus.

5. Kyes very small; four dorsocantral bristles; arista very long. 6
Eyes not very small. ........ 7

6. All the tibiae without bristles on outer side; hind femora of male

often emarginate at base below. . Eccoptomera L<>ew.

Middle tibiae at least with bristles oil outer side. . Oecothea.

7. Four pairs of dorsocentral bristles. ...... S

But three pairs of dorsocentral bristles; third antennal joint short;

bristles of costa small. .... Tephrochlamys.

8. Costal border of wings noticeably bristly (fig. 130). . Leria.
Costal border with very small bristles. . . Heteromyza.

IvII. Family CORDY^URIDiE.

Fig- l2>3- Scatophaga furcata, enlarged; after Washburn.

Squamae small, the upper one concealing the lower.
Head seldom longer than high; eyes rounded or oval,
bare, broadly separated by the front in both sexes; front
almost always with well-developed bristles. Wings
rather large; auxiliary vein always present and dis-
tinct; first longitudinal vein never much shortened, where
it joins the costa never with bristle; basal cells rather
large, always complete; first posterior cell seldom nar-
rowed in the border or closed; abdomen with more than
four visible segments.

Some of the flies of this group are easily confounded
with those of the Anthomyidae, but an attentive exam-
ination of the squamae, the number of segments of the
abdomen and costa will usually resolve doubt of their
correct location. The flies are often of considerable size
for Acalypterates, never very small.

The family has been called the Scatomyzidae by Becker,
who has thoroughly studied and monographed the Eu-

327

328

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

ropean forms. But there is reason in the objection to the
use of a term derived from a generic name which is clearly
a synonym. The name Cordyluridie, applied by Loew,
is the oldest name otherwise, and must take precedence
over Scatophagidae, which some authors have used.
Many of the new genera erected by Becker have been

Fig. 134. Cordyluridae. Scatophaga, male; 2, Acicephala polita,
head; 3, Pselaphephila similis, head; 4. OrlhocJi<2ta(?)gilvipes, head;
5, Spathiophora, sp. head; 6, Parallelomma varipes; 7, Hydromyza
confluens, head.

recognized in North America within recent years, and
doubtless others will be, since the family has received
comparatively little study with us. For further study of
the group, the reader is advised to procure his paper. I
give only such genera in the following table as have been
authoritatively recognized from North America, the

CORDYLURID.E. 329

characters drawn chiefly from Becker's table. Many of
the flies, especially those of Scatophaga, are frequently
found about excrement; some feed upon other insects
which they capture. Many species of Cordyluza and their
allies are collected in meadowlauds and moist places.
The larvae of some live in the stems of plants and some,
it is said, have been bred from the larvae of Noctua.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Prothoracic and stigniatic bristles absent; thorax with five dorso-

central bristles, or, if fewer, the palpi broad; at least four scu-
tellar bristles present; wings usually long. ... 2

Prothoracic and stigniatic bristles present usually; when absent
the thorax usually nearly bristleless; one to three sternopleural
bristles present; one to five dorsocentrals, the scutellnm with
from one to four. ........ 3

2. Moderately large to small species; males more thickly haired than

the females; face but little excavated in profile; third antennal
joint rounded, with a bare or plumose arista; palpi long and
slender; five dorsocentrals present (1, and fig. 133).

Scatophagy.
Head broad; palpi more or less dilated. ..... 9

3. Front femora on the inner side with a double row of bristles. 13
Front femora at the most with a single row of bristles. . 4

4. Palpi small, slender. ........ 5

Palpi long, flattened, leaf-like; eyes oval; antennae long, the dis-
tal end angular; abdomen not noticeably short (3) .

Pselaphephila.

5. Palpi with a long, terminal bristle; one sternopleural bristle; arista

plumose or strongly pubescent; costa of wings hairy or pectin-
ated; third vein straight or gently curved. ... 6
Palpi not with long terminal bristle — one to three sternopleural
bristles present 8

6. Arista plumose; femora and tibiae with strong bristles; five dorso-

pleural bristles; usually shining black species. ... 7

Antennal arista slender, scarcely thickened at its base, short or

long haired; femora and tibiae long and slender, and but little

bristly; from one to five dorsocentrals; yellow and black species.

Parallelomma .

33Q

NORTH AMERICAN' DIPTERA.

7. Head noticeably longer than high; face much retreating (2).

Acicephala.
Head scarcely longer than high; face gently retreating in profile.

Cordylura.

8. One sternopleural bristle; eyes but little higher than broad; anten-

nae as long as the face; oral margin with but one, anteriorly di-
rected principal bristle on each side; arista distinctly haired;
five dorsocentrals; moderate sized, shining yellow flits.

Megophthalma.
Two sternopleural bristles: antennae as long as the face, third joint
rounded, strongly pubescent; hind tibia with two pairs of bris-
tles on outer side; shining black, small species.

Hexamitocera.
Three sternopleural bristles; five dorsocentrals ; arista distinctly
hairy; four scutellar bristles; hind tibiae with three pairs of
bristles; moderate sized, thickly hairy, gray flies.

Orthochaeta.

9. Eyes and head round; five dorsocentral bristles. ... 10
Eyes and head oval, higher than long; a single dorsocentral bris-
tle; cheeks broad; proboscis thick and swollen; oral border with
one short bristle on each side; antennae short distallv rounded;
abdomen flat; hypopygium only a little prominent; rather lar^e;
bare, ashy gray "flies (7). . . . • Hydromyza.

10. Front tibiae on the inner side with a short, rectangular spine in

addition to the terminal bristles. . . Acanthocnema.
Front tibiae without such bristle; male hypopygium with long
tufts of hairs; third antennal joint somewhat elongated; with a
sharp, upper distal angle; oral border with many thickly stand-
ing bristles. Pogonota.

Front tibiae without -uch bristles; male hypopygium without long
tufts " . . . 11

11. Third antennal joint rounded anteriorly; eyes somewhat obliquely

oval; cheeks small; face very short; oral border with a single

bristle on each side; proboscis thickened; legs but little bristly;

femora somewhat thickened. . . . Microprosopa.

Third antennal joint with a sharp anterior angle. . . 12

12. Acrostical bristles in more than two rows: thorax and legs thickly

haired; bristles of oral border numerous; femora strong, with
fine hair and weak bristles; cheeks broad (5). Spathiophora.
Acrostical bristles in two rows; niesonotum and legs sparsely and
not long haired; antennae small, with sharp tip; cheeks not
broad; oral border with bristles on each side; small, short,
gray-dusted flies {Cheztosa. Opsiomyia). . Tricopalpus.

13. Under side of head with about ten bristles. . Plethochseta.
Under side of head with about four bristles. . PycnoglOSSa.

LIU. Family ANTHOMYID^.

Fig. 135. Spilogaster, species; enlarged.

Small to moderately large flies, often resembling the
common house-fly, usually non-metallic in color. Anten-
nal arista plumose, pubescent or bare; eyes hairy or bare;
males often holoptic, sometimes broadly diehoptic, the
females always diehoptic; abdomen composed of four or
five segments; the male genitalia often with subanal ap-
pendages; first posterior cell of wings broadly open; bris-
tles of body often weak; squamae usually of considera-
ble size.

33i

332

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

The above definition will, in most cases, distinguish
the members of this large family of inconspicuously col-
ored flies. Its limits, however, are net sharp; with the
true muscids it is connected by Muscina and allied forms;
with the Cordyluridae by Fuccllia, etc. When one has
become tolerably well acquainted with the allied fa mi-

Fig. 136, Anthomyidae. I, Hyetodesia {Phaonia) Ittcorum, head,
from front; 2, Schcenotnyza chrysostonta, head, from in front; 3, Cae-
fiosiu cinerea, head; 4, Lasiops spiniger, wing; 5, Lasiops spiniger',
head; 6, Phyllogaster cordyluroides, head; 7, Homalotnyia [Fannia)
scalaris head; 8, Homalotnyia scalar is, wing; 9, Ophyra aenescens,
head; 10, Spilogaster, species, head; 11, Spilogasler, winy; 12, Leuco-
melina, species, winy; 13, Leucomelina, antenna; 14, /./.v/><; uliginosa,

head; 15, Lispa, species, head from in front; 16, LintOpkOTQ exul, head.

ANTHOMYID^E. 333

lies, he will seldom be much in doubt as to the proper
location of his specimens here. The contiguity of the
male eyes, together with the open first posterior cell and
large squamae, is always decisive. Not a few of the spe-
cies are common about houses, outbuildings, etc., and
some of them are among the worst enemies to garden
vegetables that the agriculturist has to contend against.

In the larval stage, the great majority of the species '
are vegetable feeders, either in living or decaying mate-
rial. The larvae of species of Spilogaster, Hydrotcea, Hy-
lemyia and Ccenosia have been found in dung or manure;
those of Hydroteea, Ophyra, Anthomyia, Homalomyia, etc.,
in decaying vegetable material; those of Hylemyia, An-
thomyia, Homalomyia, etc., in the nests of various hymeu-
optera ; those of Myd&a in Spermophila and Mimus.
Larvae of various species of Phorbia are very destructive
to growing radishes, onions, cabbage, etc., feeding upon
the roots. The larvae are either slender and cylindrical,
or flat and oval, with four rows of thread-like processes
on the segments. Both types are amphipneustic, and
are always provided with two chitiuous mouth-hooklets.
The puparium is oval in the smooth cylindrical forms,
flattened in the others.

Squama and antisquama, or tegula and antitegula,
are the terms proposed by Osten Sacken to indicate
respectively the lower and upper scales.

TABLE OF GENERA.

REVISED BY PROF. C F. ADAMS.

1. Front narrow in the male, not more than one-fifth of the width of

the head; often holoptic. or subholoptic. .... 2

Front in both sexes wide, including at least one-fourth of the width

of the head in the male. ....... 27

2. Squama larger than the antisquama. ■ . ■ . . 3
Squama and antisquama of nearly equal size, neither large. . 17

334 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

3. Proboscis projecting, horny, the labella slender and pointed, turn-

ed backward, hook-like; arista pubescent; eyes bare: moderate

sized, blackish species. . Drymeia.

Proboscis not horny and hook-like. ..... 4

4. Abdomen of male ovate or conical; second segment not longer than

the third, the first segment usually imperceptible. . . 5

Abdomen of male elongate, the second segment longer than the
third; first segment usually distinctly visible. ... 12

5. Eyes pilose (1) (Phaonia) Hyetodesia.

Eyes bare. 6

6. Arista plumose. 7

Arista bare or pubescent. ....... 8

7. Abdomen ovate, not spotted. ..... Mydaea.

Abdomen subcorneal, usually spotted (10, 11, fig. 135. ) .

Spilogaster.

8. Front femora of the male with tubercles or emarginations below,

or otherwise peculiarly constructed; front tibiae often with
emarginations; hind femora often arcuate; middle and hind
tibiae sometimes with tufts of hairs; black or blue-black flies,

often pollinose Hydrotaea.

Front femora simple in both sexes. ..... 9

9. Abdomen shining black or metallic black (9i. . Ophyra.
Abdomen not shining black or metallic, and with markings. 10

10. Vibrissas at sonic distance above oral margin. Brachyophyra.
Vibrissas inserted at oral margin. . . . . . .11

11. Fourth vein nearly or quite straight (16:.* Limnophora.
Fourth vein distinctly curved forward (12, 13). Leucomelina.

12. Eyes pilose Trichophthicus.

Eyes bare. 13

13. Anal cell short; axillary vein roundly curved toward it (7, 8 .

Homalomyia.
Anal vein long, often reaching the wing margin. . . 14

14. Arista plumose 28, 29) Hydrophoria.

Arista bare or pubescent. ....... 15

15. Oral margin and under side of head thickly clothed with bristly

hairs Pogonomyia.

Not thickly covered. ........ 16

* Compare Hatnmomyia.

ANTHOMYIDvK.

335

Fig. 137. Anthomyidae. 17, Pentacricea aldricht, abdomen; 18, 19,
Eremovtyia humeralis, abdomen and head; 20, Dexiopsis lacteipen-
nis, head from in front; 21,22, Hammomyia unilineatas, wing and
head; 23, Caricea insignis, leg; 24, Phorbia brassicce, abdomen; 25,
Tetrachceta unica, head; 26, Hoplogaster nigritarsis, wing; 27, Pogo-
myia bicolor, head; 28; 29, Hydrophoria divisa, wing, head; 30, Cho-
ristoma pokornyi, v/ing; 31, Anthomyia radicum, head; 32, Hylemyia
setiveniris, head.

16.

17-

18.

19-

20.

21.

Proboscis slender, nearly as long as the thorax.
Proboscis not unusually long (31).

Eyes pilose (4, 5)

Eyes bare ■

Arista plumose. ... .

Arista bare or pubescent.

Dolichoglossa.

Anthomyia.

. Lasiops.

18
19
20

Front prominent, without white spots above antennae; male with-
out subanal appendages; female without decussating bristles in
front of ocelli; body (except in vittipes) marked with shining
black stripes or spots. .... Eustalomyia.

Front not prominent; males usually with subanal appendages; fe-
male usually with cruciate bristles in front of ocelli; body with-
out shining black stripes or spots (32). .' . Hylemyia.
Abdomen of male subcylindrical. ... . . 21

Abdomen long, depressed. ....... 25

An additional macrochaeta above the first posthumeral (18, 19).

Eremomyia.

Without such macrochsetae, or with a bristly hair instead. . 22

j36 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

22. Sides of face and cheeks wide; front of female narrower than

either eve; wings without costal spine (21, 22 1 Hammomyia.

Either the sides of the face or the cheeks narrow; front of female

often wider than eye; wings usually with costal spine. 23

23. Legs wholly or partly rufous or yellow 1 27 1 . . Pegomyia.
Legs wholly hlack. 24

24. The anal vein attains the wing margin. . . Chortophila.
The anal vein does not reach the wing margin. . . Azelia.

25. The eyes occupy the upper two-thirds of the sides of the head. 26
The eyes do not occupy the upper two-thirds of the- sides of the

head 1 24 1. Phorbia.

26. The anal vein reaches the wing margin. . . Prosalpia.
The anal vein does not reach the wing margin. . Ccelomyia.

27. Anterior cross-vein situated before the end of the first vein. 28
Anterior cross-vein under or beyond the end of the first vein. 30

28. Wings without costal spine. ....... 29

Wings with costal spine 1 30 1 Choristorna.

29. Squamae small, equal Euryomma.

Squamae large, the under longer than the upper. Charadrella.

30. Palpi unusually broad at tip (14, 15) Lispa.

Palpi not unusually enlarged at tip. ..... 31

31. Squamae equal (2).* Schcenomyza.

Squama? unequal, the lower projecting beyond the upper. 32

32. Head narrow, antennae not elongate; tibia; with verv long bris-

tles (23 1 Caricea.

Not having all the above characters. ..... 33

33. Four post sutural macrocluc-ta.- (25). . . . Tetrachaeta.
With less than lour post sutural macrochseta. 34

34. Five abdominal segments visible (17) . . . Pentacricia.
Only four abdominal segments visible. .... 35

35. Abdomen cylindrical, incrassate posteriorly: hypopygium prom-

inent (6). (Compare Hoplogaster 26). Phyllcgaster.

Abdomen not cylindrical or incrassate behind. ... 36

36. Head much broader than high i20i. . . . Dexiopsis.
Head not markedly broader than high. .... 37

37. Frontal triangle large, with straight sides, the apex blunt, reach-

ing the base of the antenna.-. .... Limnospila.

Triangle with concave sides, the apex sharp, seldom reaching the

base of the antenna.- (3). ..... Coenosia.

>: Fucellia. The members of this genus, which has been referred to
various families of acalyptrates, are tound often in abundance along
sea-shores, about decomposing material which has been thrown up by
the waves. They are oi moderate size, blackish gray in color, and
will be easily recognized in the males by the hind femora having a
bunch of bristles near their base, inserted on a short emargination;
the face has numerous vibrissa! bristles; the arista is bare, etc. w.

UV. Family MUSCID^.

Fig. 138. Hccmatobia serrata, male; enlarged.

Rather small to moderately large, never elongate, thin-
ly hairy or bare flies. Antennal arista plumose to the
tip; sometimes above only, and rarely bare, in which
cases the absence of bristles on the abdomen, except at
the tip, together with the narrowed first posterior cell,
characters distinctive of the group, will distinguish the
flies belonging here from their allies. Eyes of the male
approximated or contiguous; front of female broad.
Eyes bare or hairy. Abdomen composed of four visible
segments. Genitalia not prominent.

Iyike the Sarcophagidee, the species and individuals of
this family are common everywhere. The common house-
fly, the type of the group, has a cosmopolitan distribu-

337

338 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

tion wherever man exists. Other species, which are
scarcely less common and widely distributed, are the
common blue-bottle and blow-flies, members of the gen-
era Lurilia and Calliphora. As widely known are the
stable -fly or cattle -fly, Stomoxys, and the horn -fly,
Hccmatobia.

•

The larvae of the house-fly live, for the most part, in
dung or manure, but will thrive in almost any kind of
filth; I have reared them from the decaying material in
the bottoms of spittoons filled with tobacco. The female
lays about one hundred and twenty-five eggs, which
hatch in one or two days, according to the weather. The
larvae attain their full development in from four to seven
days, and then, crawling into some secluded place, trans-
form into pupae, from which they emerge in about six
days as mature insects, those of the autumn broods re-
maining over winter as puparia. In partially secluded
spots the mature fly will sometimes survive the winter.
The cluster-fly, Pollcnia rudis, is yet more remarkable in
this last respect. Often in early spring, or even during
mild days of the winter they may be observed crawline
about over the snow in numbers. They are stupid and
slow and have received the name of cluster-flies from
their habit of congregating in clusters about dwellings.
They resemble a blow-fly somewhat; but will be distin-
guished by the presence of short, depressed, sparse light-
colored hairs on the thorax. The larvae of species of
Calliphota, especially of C. vomitoria, are better known,
perhaps, than those of any other insect. They are the
common blow-fly maggots of fresh and decaying meats
and vegetables. The cooking of corned beef or tin nips
or cabbages during warm weather is sure to attract num-
bers of these insects, which are quite noticeable for their
loud humming and headlong flight. In the arid regions
of northern Wyoming the writer has seen them in extra-

MUSCID/E. 339

ordinary numbers, many miles from the nearest human
habitation. Either their eggs or the newly hatched larvae
are deposited upon meats, and only a day or two is suffi-
cient to transform the material into a creeping mass of
disgusting maggots. The larvae of species of this genus
sometimes have habits similar to those of the screw-
worm flies. «The blue-bottle and green-bottle flies have
habits identical with those of Calliphora, but they are not
so common. The screw-worm fly ( Chrysomyia macellaria ) ,
an insect common over nearly all of North and South
America, is bright shining green or golden green in
color, but will be distinguished from the blue-bottles by
the presence of blackish stripes on the thorax. It depos-
its eggs, which hatch almost immediately, in decompos-
ing matter, as do other members of the family, but it will
also lay them in the ulcers of cattle, or wounds, or at
the orifice of the human nose, especially when attracted
thereto by a fetid breath. The larvae in these cases
quickly penetrate within the nasal and frontal sinuses,
sometimes to the number of a hundred or more, quickly
producing fever, extended ulceration and in frequent
cases, death. These cases of Myiasis, as the affection is
called, are not very frequent in North America, but have
been not seldom recorded from South America. Sarco-
phila Wohlfahrti, a European species, has similar habits.
The group Stomoxyinae includes about thirty known
species, all blood-sucking in habit, among which are the
notorious stable-flies, horn-flies and tsetse flies. The
horn-fly {Hcematobia serrata*) is a comparatively recent

* Speiser, and, following him, Bezzi would call this genus Siphona,
a name hitherto applied to a genus of proboscideous Tachinidse, claim-
ing that the type was H. serrata (irritans); but I quite agree with
Austen that the case is by no means proven, and, even if it were, I do
not think it calls for such a revolutionary change in these long estab-
lished names.

340 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

introduction from Europe, the first known American
specimens having been noticed in eastern Pennsylvania
in the spring of 1887; it has now extended over nearly
all of North America. An allied species is indigenous to
North America, living among the moose of the northern
woods. The tsetse flies* are perhaps the most famous of
the group. The diseases produced by the microparasites
(trypanosomes) transferred into their victims by their
elongated piercing proboscis are so dire in their results
that the regions certain species inhabit are rendered al-
most uninhabitable by the domestic animals. The dis-
eases also afflict certain wild animals, though with less
fatal results. The microparasites are, themselves, ap-
parently not regenerated in the flies, as is the case with
the mosquitoes, but are transferred by them shortly after
biting diseased animals to healthy ones. The fatal
'sleeping sickness' (trypanosomiasis) in man is occasion-
ed in the same way by the bites of Glossina palpalis. The
larvae of Glossina are born when well developed and ready,
or about to be ready, to become pupae, resembling those
of the Hippoboscidae in this respect.

The limits of the Muscidae, both from the Sarcopha-
gidae and the Anthomyidae, are quite elusive and uncer-
tain; indeed they seem almost impossible of definition
save by the aid of artificial and trivial characters.
Girschner, and some other authors following him, would
unite the Calliphorinae, that is those with hypopleural
bristles, with the Sarcophagidae or Tachinidae. The log-
ical sequence would be to unite the Muscinae with the
Anthomyidae, abandoning the family. His views, how-
ever, have not been generally adopted. One genus with
bare arista has been generally united with the family, so
that the ultimate distinction from the Tachinidae would

* An amateur dipterist has recently proposed in all seriousness to
Si pirate the tsetse flies into an independent family, the Glossinidae !

MUSCID^.

341

seem to be the lack of hirsuteness of the abdomen. On
the other hand, there seems to be no real distinction from
the Anthomyidse, unless the almost evanescent curvature
of the fourth vein be considered as such.

Fig. 139. Muscidse. 1, Chrysomyia; 2, 3, Pollenia; 4, Mesembri-
nella; 5, Graphomyia; 6, Myiospila; 7, 8, Mqrellia; 9, Muscina; 10,
Clinopera.

342

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

The larvae of Muscina have been found in decaying
vegetables, dung, fungi and the larvae of various lepi-
doptera, a remarkable diversity of habits. The larvae of
Graphomyia and Mesembrina have been found in horse
and cow dung.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Proboscis long, slender, directed forward; arista pectinate, or

sometimes with a few hairs below also 2

Proboscis not elongate, the labella fleshy and not adapteil for
piercing. ..*....•.. 3

2. Palpi nearly as long as the proboscis {Lyperosia; fig. 146).

Haematobia.
Palpi much shorter than the proboscis. . . . Stomoxys.

3. Arista bare; distal section of the fourth vein broadly curved at its

end Synthesiomyia.

Arista pectinate Hemichlora.

Arista plumose. ......... 4

4. Hypopleurse with a vertical row of bristles 5

Hypopleurae not with a row or tuft of bristles. . . .14

5. Eyes pubescent Tyreomma.

Eyes bare. 6

6. Vibrissal angle at a considerable distance alxne the oral margin;

angle of fourth vein rounded or rectangular. ... 7
Vibrissal angle near oral margin. ...... 8

7. Thorax and abdomen with depressed hairs or tomentum among

the bristles, especially noticeable in the intraalar region; dark-

. colored, slow moving 'cluster flies' (2, 3) . Pollenia.

Thorax and abdomen not with such hairs; mesonotum distinctly

striped; bright metallic flies (1). . . Chrysomyia.

«S. Bend of fourth vein angular, or with the angle slightly rounded. 9

Distal section of fourth vein with a broad curve; cheeks bare;

rather large flies, reddish or yellowish, with the distal portion

of the abdomen metallic (4). . . . Mesembrinella.

ft. Dorsocentral bristles present. ...... 10

Dorsocentral bristles absent. . . . Chloroprocta.

10. Arista usually plumose for not more than two-thirds its length;

hvpopvgium prominent Cynomyia.

Arista plumose to tip; hypopvgium not prominent. . . 11

11. Mesonotum not flattened behind the transverse suture. . 12
Mesonotum flattened behind the transverse suture. . . 13

MUSCIDiE. 343

12. Posterior dorsocentral and acrostical bristles well-developed and

constant; cheeks hairy; third longitudinal vein spinulose at base

only. Oalliphora.

Posterior dorsocentral and acrostical bristles constant and well-
developed; cheeks bare; first section of the third vein lor a part
or all its length spinnlose. ..... Lucilia.

13. Posterior dorsocentral and acrostical bristles inconstant and une-

qually developed; cheeks hairy; first section of third vein in
large part spinulose. ...... Phormia.

Posterior dorsocentral well, the acrostical bristles unequally de-
veloped, cheeks hairy; first section of third vein in large part
spinulose. ...... Protocalliphora.

14. Middle tibiae with a prominent bristle on its inner, flexor surface

beyond the middle. . . . . . . . . 15

Middle tibiae without such bristle. . . . . . 17

15. Termination of first longitudinal vein nearly opposite the middle

of the penultimate section of the fourth vein; distal section of

the latter forming a broad curve. . . Mesembrina.

Termination of first vein nearly opposite the anterior cross-vein. 16

16. Sternopleurae with one bristle in front and two behind; angle of

fourth vein rounded. .... Pseudopyrellia.

Sternopleuraae with one bristle in front and three behind; last sec-
tion of fourth vein forming a broad, gentle curve. Pyrellia.

17. The last section of the fourth vein has a rounded angle; sterno-

pleurae with one bristle in front and two behind; never metallic

species Musca.

Last section of fourth vein broadly curved near its middle, or with
an anterior flection at its tip. ...... 18

18. Eyes pubescent. ......... 19

Eyes bare. .......... 20

19. Antennae separated at their base by a distinct carina; sternopleu-

rae with two bristles behind, none in front; body gray or partly
rufous with a well-defined black pattern (5). Graphomyia.
Antennae not separated at base by carina; sternopleurae with two
bristles in front and two behind; body not metallic colored.

Myiospila.

20. Last section of fourth vein with a broad curvature near its middle.

the cell opening rather narrowly; grayish or metallic spotted

species (7,8) Morellia.

Last section of fourth' vein curved forward, often slightly, beyond
its middle or at the tip, the cell broadly open. . . 21

21. First longitudinal vein ends beyond the middle of the wing; one

or more well-developed pairs of anterior acrostical bristles (9).

Muscina.

The first vein ends before the middle of the wing; no anterior

acrostical bristles (10). . Clinopera.

Somomyia, Cyrtoneurina and Hyadesimyia are not included in the
table, because of insufficient data.

LV. Family CESTRID^E.

Fig. 140. Cuterebra buccata, enlarged; after Washburn.

Flies of moderate to large size, thick-set, usually more
or less pilose. Head large, the lower part more or less
swollen. Antennae short, three-jointed, decumbent, and
more or less sunken in the facial groove or grooves;
arista bare or plumose. Mouth opening small, the
mouth-parts sometimes rudimentary, never large. Front
broad in both sexes, in the male broader in front. Eyes
comparatively small, bare. Ocelli present. Thorax ro-
bust, with a distinct transverse suture. Abdomen short,
conical or but little elongated; genitalia of the male hid-
den, the ovipositor sometimes elongated. Squamae usu-
ally large; sometimes small. Venation of the wings
muscid-like, in most cases the first posterior cell narrow-
ed or closed; anal cell small, sometimes indistinct; discal
cell sometimes absent.

This family, though of small size comparatively, is of
the greatest fnterest by reason of the habits of the larvae,
all of which that are known being parasitic upon mam-
mals. The adult flies often have vestigial mouth-parts,

344

CESTRID^. 345

and devote the whole of their brief existence to the labors
of procreation. Only about seventy-five species are
known, and they are generally called bot-flies, though
the name is frequently applied especially to the bot-fly
of the horse. Parasitism occurs in three principal ways:
in the stomach and digestive tubes, in tumors formed by
the larvae under the skin, and in the pharyngeal and
nasal cavities. With but few exceptions each species is
confined to a single species of mammal, and each genus
or each group of allied species is parasitic in the same
way upon allied animals. Seven species of Gastrophilus
are found in the stomach and intestines of the horse and
ass. Thirteen species of Hypoderma are known to live
under the skin of the horse, the ox, the buffalo, the sheep,
the goat, four species of antelope, and the musk-deer.
Two species of CEstromyia likewise infest the skin of La-
gomys and Hypodcsus. CEdamagena tarandi is parasitic in
great numbers in the skin of the reindeer in both Siberia
and boreal America. Four or five species of CEstrus live
in the nasal sinuses of sheep, antelope, and horse (Rhin-
czstrus). One species of Cephalomyta lives in the nasal
cavities and throat of the camel and buffalo. Six or
seven species of Cephenomyia have been found parasitic
in the pharyngeal cavities of various Cervids, while va-
rious species of Cuterebra, Bogeria and Rogenhofera have
been bred from the skin or scrotum of rodents and
opossums. Two species of Dermatobia have been obtain-
ed from the skin of dogs, cattle, cats, deer, and probably
apes and man. The eggs or young larvae are, it is be-
lieved, in all cases taken into the mouth by the animals
which they infest, going thence to the sinuses, pharynx
or stomach; or, through the tissues of the body, to the
skin. Perhaps those living within the scrotum may reach
their abiding place by a more direct route.

32

346

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fiji M1- CEstridae. i, Gastrophilus, wing; 2. Gastrophi/us, anten-
nae; 3, Culerebra, antennae; 4, Cuterebra, front tarsus; 5, Cuterebra,
wing; 6, Dertnatobiat wing; 7, Dermaiobia, front tarsus.

TABLES OF C-ENERA.

IMAGINES.

1. Mouth-parts very small, vestigial; arista bare. ... 2
Proboscis geniculate, inserted in a deep slit; female without extri-
cate ovipositor; first posterior cell narrowed or closed; arista
bare or plumose; facial grooves approximated below, enclosing
a narrow median groove or depressed surface; squamae large. 6

2. The fourth longitudinal vein runs straight toward the border of the

wing, i. e. the apical cross-vein is obsolete, and the first poste-
rior cell is not narrowed; squamae small: female ovipositor elon-
gate; larvae in stomach and intestinal canal il, 2).

G-astrophilus.

The fourth vein turns forward to form the apical cross-vein, closing

or narrowing the first posterior cell. ...... 3

3. Facial grooves approximated below, leaving a narrow median

groove <>r depression. ........ 4

ckstrid^;.

347

Facial grooves remote, enclosing between them a broad, gently
arcuate, shield-shaped surface ; squamae large; female with
elongate ovipositor; larvae hypodermatic. ... 5

4. First posterior cell closed and petiolate; body nearly bare. CEstrus
First posterior cell narrowly open; body pilose. Cephenomyia.

5. Palpi wanting Hypoderma.

Palpi small, globular CEdamagena.

6. Arista bare, short and stout; wings without stump at angle of

fourth vein Bogeria.

Arista pectinate above. ........ 7

7. Tarsi broad and flattened, hirsute (3, 4, 5); alulae large.

Cuterebra.
Tarsi slender, not hirsute; third joint of antennae more elongate;
front prominent anteriorly; alulae of moderate size (6, 7).

Dermatobia.
LARVAE.

1. Last abdominal segment free, broadly attached. ... 2
Last abdominal segment (twelfth) retractile within the preceding,

small and distinctly constricted. ..... 7

2. Larvae with two pairs of chitinized jaws; that is with two outer

mouth-booklets, and two inner, straight, triangular points

(Horses) Gastrophilus.

Larvae with two or no mouth-hooklets. ..... 3

3. Larvae on the median segments with dorsal, spindle-shaped tuber-

cles; one pair of mouth-hooklets present. 4
Larvae without such tubercles; one pair or no mouth-hooklets pres-
ent 5

4. Antennae broadly separated; body oval, strongly convex above, flat

below (Sheep) Oestrus.

Antennae approximated or contiguous; body elongated, somewhat
broader in front than behind (Deer) . . Cephenomyia.

5. No mouth-hooklets. ......... 6

Two small mouth-hooklets present (Rodents). Oestromyia

6. Bristly covering alike above and below (Reindeer) . Osdamagena.
Bristles stronger below than above (Ox, etc.) Hypoderma.

7. Larvae oval (Rodents, Marsupials) .... Cuterebra.
Larvae club-shaped, more slender posteriorly (Artiodactyls, Carni-

vora. Primates). Dermatobia

LVI. Family SARCOPHAGID^.

l-'ij^. 142. Sarcophaga saracenia, enlarged. After Washburn.

Usually thick-set, moderately large to rather small
flies. Front in both sexes broad, though usually some-
what narrower in the male. Arista of the antenna.' plu-
mose to the middle or a little beyond, the distal portion
bare; this last character alone is the ultimate distinctive
one of the group. Abdomen composed of four visible
segments, with the macrochaetae usually confined to the
distal portion, though sometimes occurring on the mar-
gin of the second and following segments and very rarely
011 the disk; male hypogyginm often prominent. First
posterior cell of the wings always much narrowed or
closed.

348

SARCOPHAGID.E.

349

This family of flesh-flies, as they are often called,
though comprising but comparatively few genera, has a
great number of species and individuals. For the most
part the species are tolerably uniform in coloration, and
at first sight seem scarcely distinguishable, having a
gray striped thorax and marmorate abdomen. The more
metallic colored species of Cynomyia and Onesia are ex-
ceptions. The flies are found everywhere, about decay-
ing vegetation, especially fruit, excrement, decomposing
carcasses, etc.

The larvae are polyphagous in habit, feeding upon de-
caying animal or vegetable matter, or living parasitieally
in the flesh of different animals, in the nasal cavities of
man and other animals, in ulcers, etc. The larvae of
Cynomyia live in great numbers in the decomposing car-
casses of vertebrate animals. The larvae of Sarcophaga,
which are often extruded by the parent fly alive, have
been found under the skin of turtles, in the stomachs of
frogs; and most of the cases of myiasis that have been
reported, other than those due to the larvae of Chrysomyia
and Callipkora, have been caused by the maggots of the
species of this genus and those of Sarcophila. The larvae
of several species have been found in snails, in beetles,
grasshoppers, the pupae of moths, etc.

The Sarcophaga larvae are rounded, thinner anteriorly
and amphipneustic. The antennae are short, thick, cy-
lindrical, divergent, wart-like tubercles, each with two
ocellus-like chitinous rings at the tip. The mouth-hook-
lets are distinct, strongly curved, and separated from
each other. The abdominal segments are distinctly dif-
ferentiated by transverse swellings, and are each pro-
vided with a girdle of spines. The hind stigma-plate is
situated in a deep cavity, which is formed by the last
segment alone. The anal swelling is two-pointed. The
puparium is oval.

35°

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

Fig. 143. Peckia prtrceps, enlarged.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. First posterior cell closed or much narrowed in the margin. 2
First posterior cell open. 5

2. Second and third abdominal segments with discal and marginal

macrochaetae Paramintho.

Second and third segments without discal macrochaetae. . 3

3. First vein bristly Johnsonia.

1'irst vein bare. ......... 4

4. Arista bare or pubescent. . . . . Hesperomyia.
Arista distinctly plumose. .... Sarcophilodes.

5. Abdomen black or metallic, unicolorous and but slightly pruinose. 6
Abdomen gray or partly ochraceous, with black reflecting sjxUs. 8

6. Hypopygium very prominent; legs more or less hairy, . 7
Hypopygium concealed; legs not hairy; curvature of fourth vein

with an obtuse angle and without stump. . . Onesia.

7. Abdomen usually black; tibia; densely hairy. . . Peckia.
Abdomen metallic; tibiae with short hairs (see Muscidae).

Cynomyia.

SARCOPHAGID^E. 35 1

8. All the tibise with a comb-like row of long stovit bristles externally.

Theria.
Without such bristles, or with irregularly placed ones. . 9

9. Cheeks with long bristly hairs below 10

Cheeks with short pile Erythrandra.

10. Last section of fourth vein more oblique than the posterior cross-

vein. ........... 11

Both veins in nearly the same straight line; two orbital bristles in
the female; none in the male. . . . Sarcophaga.

11. Two orbital bristles in each sex. . . . Sarcophagula.
Two orbital bristles in the female, male? . . Helicobia.

Sarcode.via and Sarothromyia are not included in the table for lack
of sufficient data.

I/VTI. Family DEXIIDjE.

Ratlier .small to large, chsetophorous flies, thinly or
not at all pilose, usually more elongate than the Taehi-
nicke. Kyes of the male contiguous, or more approx-
imated than those of the female; pubescent or bare.
Front with a row of bristles on each side descending to,
but not below, the base of the antennae, save rarely.
First joint of antennae short; second usually shorter than
the third; third joint more or less elongate, sometimes
short, decumbent. Arista bare, pubescent or pilose, with
two or three visible joints. Face always with a well-
marked median depression, with a more or less distinct
median ridge or carina. Proboscis sometimes elongate,
but usually short and with broad labella; palpi never
with more than one joint, which is sometimes vestigial.
Ocelli present. Abdomen composed of four or five visi-
ble segments, with marginal, lateral, and usually discal
bristles. Legs sometimes rather stout; usually elongate
and slender; always bristly. All veins of wings simple;
basal cells large; three posterior cells present, the first
of which is always narrowed or closed; auxiliary vein
distinct in its whole length. Squamae large.

In habits and life histories, the Dexiidae closely resem-
ble the Tachinidae, and the distinction between the two
families is very difficult to make, if it is not actually
evanescent. The plumose or distinctly pubescent arista,
the presence of bristles on the dorsum of the abdomen,
together with the usually more slender legs, are the es-
sential diagnostic characters of the family. For further
study the reader is referred to the works of Brauer, Ber-
geustamm, Coquillett, Towusend and Wulp.

352

Fig. 144. Dexia, species. Enlarged.

Fig. 14o. Scotiptera melaleuca. Enlarged.

Fig. 140. Dexiidae. 1, 2, Scotiptera Melaleuca, wing, liead; 3, 4, Hystricod-
dexia rcederi, wing, head; 5, Chcetona, sp. wing; 6,7,Leptopoda gracilis, wing,
head; 8, 0, Calodexid, wing, head; 10, 11, Ptilodexia tibialis, wing, head; 12,
13, Myiocera, sp. wing, head; 14, 15, Rhynchodexia, sp. wing, head; 10, 17,
Cholomuia niqriceps, head, legs; IS, Marinia, head; 10, Rhynchodexia, head; 20,
Thelaira longicornis, head; 21 , Euantha, sp. wing; 22, Melanophora roralis, wing.

354 NORTH AMHRICAN DIPTERA.

TABLE OF GENERA.

BY PROF. C. F. ADAMS.

i. Proboscis elongate; slender, not retractile, usually as long or longer

than the dorso- ventral diameter of the head. ... 2

Proboscis shorter than the head, thick and retractile. . . 15

2. Proboscis slender and rigid, nearly or quite as long as the head and

thorax together; labella small. ...... 3

Proboscis as long as or but little longer than the head. . 8

3. Scutellum and abdomen armed with spines. . Hystrisiphona.
Scutellum and abdomen with the usual macrochaetae. . . 4

4. .Sides of face bare 5

Sides of face clothed with short bristles. . Prorhynchops.

5. Palpi very short, thickened at tip; macrocluctae only marginal.

Prosena.

Palpi moderately long, not at all or bnt little thickened at tip;

macrochaetae usually discal and marginal. .... 6

6. Claws of male extraordinarily long. 1. . Mochlosoma.
Claws of both sexes short 7

7. Facial carina broad, inflated, depressed. . . Myiomima.
Facial carina narrow, not inflated, compressed. Prosenoides.

8. Abdomen densely covered with macrochaetae. ... 9
Abdomen with regularly arranged macrochaetae. ... 10

9. Vibrissa.- inserted some distance above oral margin 1 3, 4l.

Hystricodexia.
Vibrissas inserted on oral margin. . . . Bathydexia.

10. Eyes descending not more than two-thirds the distance to lateral

oral margin. . . . ■ . . . . 1 1

Eyes descending at least three-fourths the distance to lateral

margin. .......... 14

11. Fourth vein with a stump at its bend (1,2). . Scotiptera.
Fourth vein without stump at its bend. ..... 12

12. Macrochaetae of abdomen discal and marginal. . . .13
Macrochaetae only marginal (12,13). . . Myiocera.

13. Face quite concave in profile; vibrissas at oral margin.

Myioscotiptera.
Face nearly perpendicular; vibrissas some distance above oral mar-
gin (14,15,19) Rhynchodexia

DEXIID/E,

355

14. Facial ridges parallel; antennae inserted on line drawn through

middle of eyes Tromodexia.

Facial ridges divergent below; antennas inserted somewhat below
middle of eyes (Tachinidae, 112) . . . Stomatodexia.

15. Eyes descending less than or hardly more than two-thirds the dis-

tance to lateral oral margin. . . . . . . 16

Eyes descending nearly to lateral oral margin. ... 40

16. Apical cell petiolate or closed in the margin. ... 17
Apical cell open. . . . . . . . . . 21

17. Posterior cross-vein nearer to bend of fourth vein than to the ante-

rior cross-vein, or in the middle. ..... 18

Posterior cross-vein nearer to anterior cross-vein than to bend. 20

18. Fourth vein with stump at bend Megerlea.

Fourth vein without stump 19

19. Third antennal joint scarcely longer than second; cheeks without

long, bristly hairs below. .... Megaparia.

Third joint more than twice as long as second; cheeks with long

bristly hairs below. Melanodexia.

20. Sides of face narrow, bare (22). . . . Melanophora.
Sides of face broad, bristly. .... Microchaetina.

21. Face distinctly carinate. ....... 22

Face not carinate or but slightly so. ..... 28

22. Antennae nearly as long as the face. . . . Camarona.
Antennae much shorter than the face. .... 23

23. Abdomen wide and stout; short; oval, the first segment somewhat

shortened. .......... 25

Abdomen conical or elongate oval.

24

Gymnodexia.

Dexia.

... 26

Trixodes.

24. Sides of face bristly above.
Sides of face wholly bare (fig. 144).

25. Sides of face bare. ....
vSides of face hairy.

26. Abdomen with discal and marginal macrochaetae. . . 27
Abdomen without discal macrochaetae. . . Ateloglossa.

27. Arista bare or pubescent Megaprosopus.

Arista long plumose Phorostoma.

28. Antennae inserted at or above the middle of the ej'es. . 29
Antennae inserted below middle of eyes. .... 32

356 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

29. Arista short-haired; posterior cross-vein half way between bend of

fourth vein and the anterior cross-vein 30

Arista distinctly plumose; posterior cross-vein near bend of fourth
vein. ........... 31

30. Eyes bare Acronacantha.

Eyes hairy Morphomyia.

31. Antennae not reaching middle of face. . . Phasiops.
Antennae reaching at least two-thirds the distance to oral margin

Metadexia.

32. Eyes small, less in diameter than the width of cheeks.

Macrometopa.
Eyes of greater diameter than width of cheeks. 33

33. Costa of wings bristly, or at least with a costal spine. . . 34
Costa without bristles or spine. ...... 36

34. Abdomen elongate, nearly cylindrical, twice as long as the thorax;

segments of equal length. .... Stenodexia.
Abdomen short, stout, the first segment somewhat shortened. 35

35. Sides of face hairy; claws of male elongate (10). Ptilodexia.
Sides of face bare. ...... Sardiocera.

36. Abdomen conical or elongate oval. ..... 37

Abdomen cvlindrical or elongate-conical, much longer than thorax.

38

37. Middle legs of male disproportionately long (16, 17 1.

Cholomyia.
Middle legs but little if any longer than the others. Melaleuca.

38 Apical cell widely open; wings unicolorous (21). . Euantha.
Apical cell narrowly open; wings nearly hyaline. . . 39

39. Eyes bare (6,7) Leptoda.

Byes hairy Uramyia.

40. Abdomen cvlindrical, long and attenuated at base. Cordyligaster
Abdomen oval or conical, not petiolate. . . . . 41

41. Frontal bristles descending below baseof antennse(5). Chaetona.
Frontal bristles not descending below base of antennae. . 42

42. Third vein with a row of bristles. 43
Third vein without bristles, save at base. .... 45

4.V Third antenna! joint four limes the length of the second.

Thelairodes.
Third joint about twice the length of the second. . . 44

dexiim;. 357

44. With discal and marginal macrochaetae (20) . . Thelaira.
Without discal macrochaetae. .... Polygaster.

45. Abdomen yellow, with or without black markings. . . 46
Abdomen black, sometimes partly whitish or cinerous. . 47

46. Apical cell broadly open Xanthodexia.

Apical cell narrowly open (8, 9). ... Calodexia.

47. Curvature of fourth vein arcuate. . . Rhombothyria.
Curvature of fourth vein angular. 48

48. Arista short-hairy. Pseudomorinia.

Arista distinctly plumose. ....... 49

49. Eyes bare (18) Morinia.

Eyes hairy Comyops.

The following genera are not included in the foregoing table: Echi-
nodexia, Eudexia, Paraprosena, Dexiosoma, Pseudodexia, Cyrto-
soma, Theresia, Homodexia.

NOTES ON THE FIGURES.

BY PROF. C. H. T. TOWNSEND.

Figs. 3,4. I propose for this species the new genus Euc/uziogyne.
I identify the species with specimens from the Sierra Madre of western
Chihuahua.

5. In the genotype the apical cell probably ends at the wing tip.

8, 9. The figures agree with a specimen of Calodexia in U. S. Nat.
Mus. but the posterior cross-vein is nearer the bend of the fourth vein.

10, 11. Both figures agree with specimens of Chnoneura, female,
and the wing with Ptilodexia also, but not the head.

12, 13. The figure of the head is typical of Myiocera, except that
there is a pair of strong reclinate vertical bristles in female.

14, 15. Rhamphinina, sp. male. The figures agree with speci-
mens which I refer to Rhamphinina, differentiated from Rhyncho-
dexia by the absence of facial carina.

19. Rhynchodexia, sp. male. Appears to be this genus, distin-
guished from Euchcztogyne by the absence of strong reclinate vertical
bristles.

20. Thelaira, sp. male: Quite typical, but the species is probably
not T. longicornis, which Brauer refers to Pseudodexia.

21. Euantha liturata male. A costal spine is present. The wing
of the female is more deeply clouded.

22. Melanophora roralis. The petiole of apical cell originates
usually a little before point opposite to end of second vein.

33

LVIII. Family TACHINIDjE.

Fij,;. 147- Exorista ajjinis, enlarged. After Washburn.

Rather small to rather large, bristly flies, thinly or not
at all pilose, usually thick-set. Eyes pubescent or bare;
those of the male more approximated than those of the
female, or contiguous. Front with a row of bristles on
each side, descending to or below the base of the anten-
nae; with or without orbital bristles. First antenual joint
short: second joint usually shorter than the third; third
joint usually more or less elongated, sometimes dilated
or fissured; decumbent; arista bare, three-jointed, the
first joint always short, often atrophied and impercepti-
ble; second joint sometimes elongate (13) and geniculate.
Face alwxys with a well-marked median depression,
which sometimes has a carina in its middle. Proboscis
sometimes eloNngate and slender, but usually short and
with brt?.ad labella; palpi never with more than one joint,
which is sometimes rudimentary. Ocelli present. Abdo-
men composed of four or five visible segments; with mar-

358

TACHINID^. 359

ginal and lateral, and usually with discal bristles; some-
times nearly covered with strong, erect spines. Legs
usually rather stout, seldom moderately elongate; always
with bristles. All the veins of the wings simple; basal
cells large; three posterior cells present, the first of which
is always narrowed or closed (save in those rare cases in
which the distal section of fourth vein is obliterated); aux-
iliary vein distinct in its whole course. Squamae large.

No other group of flies has presented so many difficul-
ties to the student of systematic dipterology as the pres-
ent one. In its entirety, with few exceptions, it is easily
differentiated. Flies that have the arista bare (or at the
most, pubescent), the squamae well developed, and the
first posterior cell narrowed or closed, may be unhesita-
tingly referred to this family. But the family is not
always easily distinguished from the Dexiidae. The
presence, however, of aristal plumosity, with the other
characters of the more typical tachinids, that is those of
which the dorsum of the abdomen is distinctly bristly, will
remove doubt of the correct location of any species pos-
sessing such characters, even when the legs do not have
the elongation characteristic of the more typical dexiids.
Unfortunately the differentiation of the genera and species
is vastly more difficult, and will require much patient
study even yet before a satisfactory stability is reached.
The student should not be discouraged if he is not always
sure of his results, — the most of us are often in doubt
about Tachinidae. About one hundred and eighty-five
genera have already been accredited to North America^ o*
Some of these will doubtless be reduced to syuonyc^s, <y"
but not many, since the characters used for generkAtim->' J**
itation are often exceedingly slight, such as u^m^ny ^
other families are considered of specific value jeily^ So
inconspicuous are the distinguishing character^ j^pmany
species that onlv the experienced eye wiUR^let^'t,-them.

360 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

For further study of the family the reader is referred to
the various works of Brauer and Bergenstam, v. d. Wulp,
Townsend and Coquillett.

The habits of the mature fly are similar for nearly all
the members of the group. They will be found on veg-
etation, on leaves or flowers, in such places as are fre-
quented by the hosts which they parasitize. Not a few
will be caught with the beating net.

The larvae of the more typical Tachinidae are thicken-
ed, cylindrical and flattened below, the segments indis-
tinctly differentiated, with transverse and lateral swel-
lings, bare or provided with fine, short shines. They are
amphipneustic, the anterior spiracles small and point-
like or multipartite, the posterior stigmatic plates large,
strongly ehitinized, and each with three, internally con-
vergent grooves. The antennae are wart-like, with two,
ocellus-like, chitinous rings, one lying below the other.
There are but two mouth-hooklets, porrect and but little
curved. The puparia are oval, with the segments slightly
differentiated; the skin is finely wrinkled, and both ends
are rounded.

In Ocyptera and Gym?iosoma, and probably in allied
forms, the larvae have a chitinous, anal stigmatic tube;
and the puparia have six or two, similar processes. The
larvae of Hyalomyia are translucent, smooth and meta-
pneustic, the mouth-hooklets very large; there are two,
short, divergent, anal tubes.

The larvae of this group are all parasitic in habit so
far as known, and the parasitism is probably confined to
the early stages of other insects; and the individual fly
is not very particular in the choice of larvae which she
parasitizes. Their usefulness in keeping injurious in-
sects in check is immeasurable.

By far the largest number of species are parasitic upon
Lepidoptera, of which not less than four hundred have

TACHINID.E.

361

been recorded. About seventy species are known to be
parasitic upon Hymenoptera, less than forty upon Cole-
optera, a score upon Orthoptera, five upon Hemiptera,
and as many upon other Uiptera.

The figures of the first plate (1-17) were kindly made
by Professor Aldrich. The remainder (18-114), by my-
self, have been drawn as carefully as possible. Not
being a specialist in this family, it was not always possi-
ble to be quite certain of the characters. Professor
Townsend has, however, with great kindness examined
the figures carefully, and has criticised them in an ap-
pendix to this family (p. 378), which should be consulted
by the student.

TABLE OF GENERA.

BY PROF. C. F. ADAMS.

i. Apical cell (first posterior) ending at or close to the extreme wing

tip. 2

Apical cell ending some distance before the extreme tip. . 76

2. Abdomen without macrochsetae. ...... 3

Abdomen with macrochaetse. . . . . . . .11

3. Sides of face bare. ......... 5

Sides of face with bristly hairs. ...... 4

4. Third and fourth veins nearly equally convergent. Gymnophania
Fourth vein more convergent than the third (18, 19). Acaulona

5. Hind tibiae outwardly ciliated with a row of erect bristles. . 6
Hind tibiae not ciliated 7

6. Apical cell open Homogenia.

Apical cell closed Trichopoda.

7. Abdomen subspherical, the upper side very convex. . . 8
Abdomen without such convexity. ..... 10

8. Antennae not reaching the lower third of the face. . . 9
Antennae reaching at least the lowest fifth of the face.

Gymnosoma.

9. Abdomen with five visible segments (18, 19). Acaulona.
Abdomen with only four visible segments, or the fifth very short

(10) Cistogaster.

10. Sides of the front hairy except a narrow space along each eye (20)

Alophora.

Sides of front bare except two or three rows of hairs along each

side of the frontal vitta (21). . . . Phorantha.

11. Sides of face with hairs or macrochaetae on lower half. . 12
Sides of face, or at least lower half, bare. .... 25

362

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig, L48 Taehinida?. 1. Masicfrn festinans, wing; 2, Aphriaoccidentalis)
wing: •">, Spallanzania lulus, head; I. Blepharipeza aausta, tibiae; '■'>, Acemyia
ih uiii to, antennae; <'>. Atmin. sp. head; 7, Peleteria neglecta, head; 8, Plagia
americana, wing; '•', Tachina robustd, head; U>, Vistogaater maculata, wing;
11, Archiftas, sp. head; 12, 13. (l<>ni<i capitata, head, top and Bide; 14, Thryp-
tocera (Clausicella ?), sp. head; 1">, Phorantha, sp. wing; 16, Clausicelta seti-
i/irn, wing; 17, Dejeania vexatrix, head. Figs. 1-17 by J. M. Aldriuh,

TACHINID^. 3g3

12. Abdomen subopaque, partly or wholly covered with pollen. 15
Abdomen largely or wholly shining and without pollen. 13

13. Palpi well developed. ........ 14

Palpi vestigial, filiform, terminating in a long bristle.

Atrophopalpus.

14. Abdomen wholly shining (35) Myiophasia.

Base of last three abdominal segments gray pruinose.

Paradmontia.

15. Eyes bare, or with indistinct, short hairs. .... 18
Eyes distinctly hairy 16

16. Vibrissae on a level with oral margin. ..... 17

Vibrissae distinctly above oral margin. . . . Meigenia.

17. Posterior cross-vein abont midway between anterior cross-vein and

bend of fourth vein. ...... Eulasiona.

Posterior cross-vein close to bend of fourth vein. Lasiona.

18. From one to three pairs of frontal bristles below base of antennae;

antennae at least two-thirds as long as face. ... 10

No frontal bristles below base of antennae. .... 19

19. Cheeks two-thirds as broad as the eye-height (20, 21.) Phyto.
Cheeksless than two-thirds of eye-height (32,33). Rhinophora

20. First posterior cell open, or, if closed, short petiolate. . 22
First posterior cell closed and long petiolate, the petiole two-thirds

as long as the posterior cross-vein. . . . . . 21

21. First vein bristly. Paradmontia.

First vein not bristly. ...... Mauromyia.

22. Third vein not bristly on more than one-fourth the distance to an-

terior cross-vein; sides of face without macrochaetae. . 23
Third vein bristly on at least three-fourths the distance to anterior
cross-vein; sides of face with macrochaetae (23, 24).

Ceratomyiella.

23. Face in profile strongly convex; orbital bristles usually present in

both sexes; front tarsi of male usually dilated. Admontia.
Face strongly receding; female with two orbital bristles.

Sarcoclista.
Face in profile concave; orbital bristles wanting in male. . 24

24. First vein beyond tip of auxiliary vein distinctly bristly.

Meig-eniella.
First vein not bristly beyond tip of auxiliary (24).

Cryptomeigenia.

25. Proboscis shorter or only slightly longer than height of head. 26
Proboscis at least one-third longer than height or head. . 71

26. Frontal vitta opaque, ........ 27

Frontal vitta shining (37,38). .... Hemyda.

27. Vibrissae on a level with oral margin. ..... 28

Vibrissae distinctly above oral margin. ..... 58

Vibrissae not distinguishable from the hairs on the facial ridges.

Trixa.

2S. Penultimate joint of arista at least twice as long as broad. 29

Penultimate joint shorter or only slightly longer than broad. 36

364

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

Fig. 149.

tachinim;. 365

29. First vein bare. ......... 31

Firt vein partly or wholly bristly. ..... 30

30. Abdomen with discal and marginal macrochaetae (28, 29) .

Euryceromyia.
Abdomen with marginal bristles only. . . Plectops.

31. Palpi subcylindrical, less than half as wide as the proboscis. 32
Palpi flattened and visually wider than the proboscis. Lispidea.

32. Third vein at most with four bristles near origin. . . 33
Third vein bristly nearly to anterior cross-vein (14) . Thryptocera

33. Arista slender on distal half; third antennal joint entire. . 34
Arista distally thickened; third antennal joint divided longitud-
inally in the male Schizotachina.

34. Abdomen with discal macrochaetae. , 35
Abdomen without discal macrochaetae (15). . Clausicella.

35. Two sternopleural bristles, ...... Nsera.

Three sternopleural bristles. ...... Medina.

36. Palpi absent or vestigial. ....... 37

Palpi well developed. ........ 39

37. Horizontal diameter of head at vibrissas as great as at base of an-

tennae. Apinops.

Head much shorter at vibrissae than at antennae. . . 38

38. Facial ridges bristly almost to middle. . Pseudapinops.
Facial ridges almost wholly bare (63, 64). . . Ervia.

39. First vein bare. ......... 44

First vein partly or wholly bristly. ..... 40

40. Eyes bare or with indistinct, short, sparse hairs. . . 41
Eyes distinctly hairy Hypochaeta.

41. Diameter of head at vibrissae as great as at root of antennae. 42
Head shorter at vibrissae than at root of antennae. Chaetophleps

42. Arista pubescent, the longest hairs scarcely half as long as the

greatest diameter of arista. ...... 43

Arista faring short hairs, the longest of which are slightly longer
than the greatest diameter of arista. . Leskiomima.

43. Frontal vitta next the antennas nearly four times as wide as either

side of front; third vein not bristly to anterior cross-vein; scutel-
lum with two pairs of marginal macrochaetae. Lasioneura.
Frontal vitta next the antennae at most twice as wide as either side
of the front; third vein bristly almost to the tip; scutellum with
three pairs of marginal macrochaetae. . . . Actia.

Fig. 149. Tachinidae. 18, 19, Araulona costata, wins, head; 20, Alophora
fumosa, wing; 21, Phorantha, sp wing, head; 25, Euscopolia dakote.nsis, wing;
2(5, 27, Oestrophasia calva, wing, head; 28, 29, Euceromyia robertsoni, wing
(bristles omitted from base of first vein, and small costal spines), head; 80,
81, Phi/to clesides, wing, head; 32, 33, Rhinophora mexic.ana, wing, head; 34,
Cryptomeigenia eumyothyroides, head; 35, Myiophasia cenea, head; 3d, Anisia,
sp. head; 37, 38' Hemyda aurata, wing, head; 39, Klajihi palpus, sp. wing: 40,
41, Melachceta atra, wing (bristles omitted from first and third veins), head.

366

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 150.

TACHINID^E. 36-

44. Kyes distinctly hairy 45

Eyes bare, or with indistinct, short, sparse hairs. . . 50

45. Frontal bristles usually not descending below base of second an-

nal joint; abdomen largely or wholly opaque gray pollinose. 46

Frontal bristles descending below middle of second antennal

joint. ........... 48

46. Cheeks nearly as broad as the height of eyes. Hyalurgus,*
Cheeks less than one-half as broad as eye-height. . , 47

47. Third vein bristly to anterior cross-vein. . Ptilodegeeria.
Third vein not bristly to anterior cross-vein (65). Macquartia.

48. Body shining, without pollen Polidea.

Body partly or wholly opaque pollinose. .... 49

49. Hind tibiae outwardly fringed with nearly equal bristles.

Metachseta.
Hind tibiae fringed with unequal bristles (51). . Didyma.

50. Sides of face at narrowest part at most one-third as wide as the

median depression. ........ 52

Sides of face one-half as wide as median depression. . . 51

51. Fourth vein obliterated beyond the bend. . Racodineura.
Fourth vein not obliterated beyond bend. . . . Clista.

52. Head at vibrissae shorter than at root of antennae. . . 55
Head at vibrissas as long as at root of antennae. ... 53

53. Arista pubescent (112). Leskia.

Arista not pubescent. ........ 54

54. Abdomen elliptical, conical or ovate (36). . . Anisia.
Abdomen rounded. . . ... Sphaerina.

55. Horizontal diameter of the occiput above the neck, less than one-

half as great as that of the eye. ..... 56

Horizontal diameter of the occiput above the neck as great as that
of the eye; antennae reaching at least the lowest fifth of the face;
vibrissa; on a level with oral margin (compare Hypostena).

Pelatachina.

56. Front of male destitute of orbital bristles; venter of female abdo-

men without short spines; third vein with at least two bristles

near its origin Hypostena.

Front in both sexes with orbital bristles. .... 57

* H. Johnsoni is a true Macq uartia; I have examined the type. — w.

Fig. 150. Taehinidae. 42, Atrophopoda hraueri, head; 43, id, front tarsus of
female; 44, Vanderwulpia townsendi, wing; 45, Atrophopoda hraueri, front tar-
sus of male; 4(5, Eucnephalia gohiodes, head; 47, Beskia cornuta, wing; 48, 49,
indet.; 50, Phorocera puer, head- 51, Didyma calyptra, head; 52, Atrophopoda
hraueri, wing; 53, Vanderwulpia townsendi, head and arista; 54, Oryptera sp.
head; 55, Sciasma nebulosa, wing; 50, Gymnochceta sp. head; 57, Exorista
nohilis, head; 58, 59, Penthosia satanica, head, wing; 00, Paradejeania, sp.
(Brazil), head; 01, Elachipalpus, sp. head; 02, Heteropterina nasoni, wing;
03, 04, Ervia triquetra, wing, head; 05, 00, Macquartia pristis, wing, head; 07,
68, Leucostoma senilis, wing, head.

368

NORTH AMERICAN DIITKRA.

Fig. 151.

TACHINID.E. 369

57. Second abdominal segment of female with many short spines be-

neath. ........ Celatoria.

Venter without such spines. ..... Myothiria.

58. Apical cell open, or with a petiole less than one-half as long as the

posterior cross-vein. ........ 62

Apical cell closed. ......... 59

59. Abdomen cylindrical or subcylindrical, nearly twice as long as

wide, second and third segments without discal macrochaetae. 60
Abdomen subhemispherical, only slightly longer than broad, the
second and third segments with discal macrochaetae.

Hyalomyodes.

60. Ocellar. bristles present. ....... 61

o Ocellar bristles wanting (present in X. arcnata) . Xanthomelana

61. Ocellar bristles curving backward; anterior cross-vein about even

with tip of first vein (67, 68). . . Leucostoma.

Ocellar bristles curving forward; anterior cross-vein far beyond

tip of first vein (55). , Sciasma.

62. Head at vibrissae shorter than at base of antennae. . , 63
Head at vibrissae as long as at base of antennae. ... 66

63. Occiput at most only slightly convex; body short and robust. 64
Occiput strongly convex; body elongate. Eutrixa ( Vanderwulpia).

64. Root of antennae below middle of eyes. .... 65
Root of antennae above middle of eyes. . Eumyothyria.

65. Eyes hairy Myiopharus.

Eyes bare (26, 27) Oestrophasia.

66. Body short and robust. ........ 67

Body elongate and slender; apical cell short petiolate (71, 76) .

Xanthomelana.

67. Antennae not reaching below the lowest third of face; frontal bris-

tles usually not descending below base of second antennal
joint. ........... 69

Antennae reaching to or below the lowest fifth of face; frontals
usually descending below base of second antennal joint. 68

68. Third vein with two or three bristles near origin (26, 27).

Oestrophasia.
Third vein with but one bristle near origin. . . DionaBa.

69. Head more than twice as high as long; occiput at most only slightly

convex (28, 27) Oestrophasia.

Head about one and one-third times as high as long; occiput usu-
ally strongly convex. ....... 70

Fig. 151. Tachinidie. 69, Siphoplagia anomala, wing; 70, Beskia cornuta
head; 71, Xanthomelana arcuata, wing; 72, Pachyophthalmus floridensis,
head; 73, 74, Goniocha-ta plagiodes, wing, head; 75, Pachyophthalmus floriden-
sis, wing; 76, Xanthomelana arcuata, head; 77, Linmemgia, sp. wing; 78, Si-
phon a geniculate! , head; 79, Siphoplagia anomala, head; 80,81, Euthera tentatrix,
wing, head; 82, Epigrimgia lucens, head; 83, Chcetoplagia aterrima, head; 84,
85, Euthyprosopa petiolata, wing, head; 86, Chetoplagia aterrima, head; 87,
Ch(etog(edia analis, head; 88, Metopia lugyeri, head; 89, Melanophrus insolita,
head; 90, Opsidia gonioides,hea,d; 91, Hystricia pollinosa, head; 92, Ch/tiomi/ia
flava, head.

34

37o

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Fig. 152.

TACHINID^E. 37I

70. Eyes descending below vibrissae Telothyria.

Eyes not descending below vibrissas. . . . Clytiomyia.

71. Palpi absent (70) Beskia.

Palpi present. ......... 72

72. First vein partly bristly. 73

First vein bare. ......... 74

73. Two orbital bristles in the male; apical pair of scutellar bristles

long Ginglymyia.

No orbital bristles in the male; apical pair of bristles short (32).

Epigrimyia.

74. Proboscis not geniculated near middle. .... 75
Proboscis geniculated near middle (78). . . Siphona.*

75. Facial ridges bristly on at least the lower half. . Isoglossa.
Facial ridges never bristly on more than the lowest fifth (82).

Epigrimyia.

o

76. Last section of fifth vein or its fold more than one-half as long as

the preceding 77

Last section of fifth vein not more than one-third the length of the
preceding. .......... 88

77. First vein wholly or partly bristly 78

First vein bare. ......... 81

78. Head at vibrissae as long as at base of antennas. . . 79
Head at vibrissae shorter than at root of antennae (8) . Plagia.

79. Fifth vein bristly Plagiomima.

Fifth vein bare. ......... 80

80. Sides of face with strong bristles. . . . Goniochaeta.
Sides of face with short, scattered hairs (79). Siphoplagia.

81. Sides of face on lower half bare. ...... 82

Sides of face with macrochaetae or bristly hairs on at least a por-
tion of lower half. ........ 85

82. Facial ridges bristly on their lowest third onlv. ... 83
Facial ridges bristly at least to their upper third. . . 84

83. First posterior cell closed in the margin (62). Heteropterina.
First posterior cell long petiolate (25). . . Euscopolia.

* Bezzi would call this genus Bucentes Lat.; see Muscidae.

Fig. 152. Taehinid*. 93, Demoticus venatoris, head; 94, Hi/phantrophaga
hyphantricB, head; 95, Jurinia hiptricosa, wing; 96, Paradidyma, sp.; 97, 98,
Plagiprospherysa parvipalpis, wing, head: 99, Micropthalma disjuncta, head;
100, Jurinella ambigua, head; 101, Nemorcea niyricornis, head; 102, Archytas
apicijera, antenna; 103, Dichocera lyrata, head; 104, Dichocera lyrata, anten-
na? from in front; 105, Muscopteryx, sp. head; 106, Hilarella decens, head;
107, Neotractocera , sp., head; 108, Pseudotractocera neomexicana, head: 109,
front ina archippivora, head; 110; Senotainia rubriventris, head; 111, Gwdiop-
sis mexicana, head; 112, Leskia analis, wing; 113, Bombyliomyia abrupta, head;
114, Chceloglossa picticornis, (the long, slender proboscis omitted) head.

372 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

84. Cheeks about one-fourth or less of eye-height (97, 98) .

Plagiprospherysa.
Cheeks nearly as broad as eye-height. . . Baumhaueria.

85. Eyes bare, or with indistinct hairs. ..... 86

Eyes distinctly hairy Cyrtophloeba.

86. Sides of face without stout niacrochsetae. .... 87
Sides of face with one or more pairs of niacroclnette. Paraplagia.

87. Arista thickejied almost to its tip; third vein bristly nearly to an-

terior cross-vein. ...... Metaplagia.

Arista not thickened to the middle; third vein bristly less than
half way to the cross-vein (62). . . Heteropterina.

88. Sides of face bare on lower half. ...... 89

Sides of face with hairs. 140

89. Vibrissa; distinctly alx>ve oral margin. .... 91

Vibrissas on a level with oral margin. ..... 115

Vibrissa; very vestigial. ....... 90

90. Wings nearly wholly brownish black; black species (58, 59).

Penthosia.
Wings brownish anteriorly only. . . . Clinogaster.

91. Eyes bare. .......... 92

Eyes hairy. .......... 109

92. Penultimate joint of arista more than twice as long as broad. 93
Penultimate shorter or only slightly longer than broad. . 94

93. Proboscis beyond basal articulation at most one and two fifths

times the height of head (2). . . . .. Aphria.

Proboscis beyond basal articulation at least two and one-third
times the height of head (114). . . Chaetoglossa.

94. Palpi absent or vestigial (54). .... Ocyptera.
Palpi present. ......... 95

95. Proboscis beyond basal articulation at least one and one-third

times the height of head (2). ..... Aphria.

Proboscis beyond basal articulation at most one and one-fifth times
the height of head 96

96. Antenna; reaching at least the lowest fourth of face. . . 105
Antenna; not reaching below the lowest third. ... 97

97. Vibrissa; at less than half the length of the second antenna! joint

above the oral margin. ....... 98

Vibrissa: at least the length of the second joint above the oral
margin. .......... 99

98. Lowest frontal bristles not below the base of the second antenna!

joint (72, 75) Pachyophthalmus.

Lowest frontals below the middle of second antenna! joint (6).

Atacta.

99. Lowest frontals below middle of second antenna! joint. . 100
Lowest frontals not below middle of second joint. . . 103

100 Ocellar bristles directed forward. ...... 101

Ocellar bristles wanting. ..... Belvosia.

TACHINID.E. 373

101. Hind tibiae not with distinct cilia externally. . . . 102
Hind tibiae ciliated externally; apical cell open (6). Atacta.

102. Apical cell open. Biomyia.

Apical cell closed (108). . . . Pseudotractocera.

103. Cheeks less than one-third as broad as eye-height; arista thick-

ened almost to tip (89) . ... Melanophrys.

104. Frontal bristles in two rows (110). . . . Senotainia.
Frontal bristles in four rows (72, 75) . Pachyophthalmus.

105. Vibrissae at most only one-half the length of second antennal

joint above oral margin. ....... 108

Vibrissae at least the length of second antennal joint above oral
margin. .......... 106

106. Ocellar bristles directed forward 107

Ocellar bristles wanting. ...... Belvosia.

107. Hind tibiae externally ciliated (6). .... Atacta.
Hind tibiae not ciliated. ...... Biomyia.

108. Lower frontal bristles below base of second antennal joint.

Siphosturmia.
Lowest frontals not below base of second joint (89) .

Melanophrys.

109. Palpi absent or vestigial (77) Linnsemyia.

Palpi present. ......... no

no. Sides of face at narrowest part less than one-third the width of

the median depression. . , . . . . . 114

Sides of face half as wide as the median depression, or more, in

in. Dorsum of abdomen without macrochaetae. Mystacomyia.

Dorsum of abdomen with macrochaetae. . . . . 112

112. Face in profile convex Macromeigenia.

Face in profile perpendicular. . . . . . . 113

113. Abdomen with marginal macrochaetae only. . Bolomyia.
Abdomen with discal and marginal macrochaetae.

Paramesochaeta.

114. Bend of fourth vein with a long appendage; second and third seg-

ment of abdomen usually without discal macrochaetae (IOI) .

Nemorsea;

Bend of fourth vein at most with an extremely short appendage.

second and third segments of abdomen with discal macrochaetae.

Panzeria.

115. Eyes hairy. ......... 116

Eyes bare 121

116. First vein with two or more bristles on outer half.

Exoristoid.es.
First vein bare. ......... 117

117. Abdomen bright or bluish green; facial ridges never bristly on

more than the lowest fourth (56) . . . Gymnochaeta.

Abdomen black or more or less yellow. . . . . 118

118. Facial ridges not bristly on more than the lower half. . 119
Facial ridges bristly on at least the lower two-thirds. . 120

--4 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

119. Sides of face at narrowest part less than one-third the width of

the median depression (fig. 1471. . . . Exorista.
Sides of face more than one-half the width of the median depres-
sion Metaphyto.

120. Bend of fourth vein with a long appendage or distinct fold.

Euphorocera.
Bend of fourth vein without such fold or appendage. Phorocera.

121. First vein hristly except at tip and base. . . . Houghia.
First vein bare I22

122. Facial ridges not bristly on more than lower half. . . 123
Facial ridges bristly on" the lower two-thirds. Pseudochseta.

123. Antenna; reaching at least the lowest fourth of face. . 126
Antennae not reaching below lowest third. . . . 124

124. Vibrissge less than one-half the length of the second antenna!

joint above oral margin 125

Vibrissa at least the length of the second antenna! joint above
oral margin (5) Acemyia.

125. Third vein with a single bristle at its origin. . Comatacta.
Third vein bristly more than one-half the distance to anterior

cross-vein Paraphyto.

126. Lowest frontals below base of second antennal joint. . 129
Lowest frontal not below base of second antennal joint. . 127

127. Facial depression without median carina. . . . 128
Facial depression with a carina; apical cell closed, the petiole

twice the length of anterior cross-vein (80, 81 1 . Euthera.
128 Lower anterior corner of third antennal joint produced tooth-
like (5) Acemyia.

Antenme not so produced (44, 53). . Vanderwulpia.

129. Second abdominal segment without more than four marginal

macrocluetie; or, if with more; the hind tibiae not ciliate. 130

Second abdominal segment with at least six marginal macroclue-

t£e (4) Blepharipeza.

130. Hind tibis ciliated externally. 131

Hind tibiae not ciliated externally r35

131. Facial ridges bristly almost to the middle. .--133
Facia! ridges bristly on less than the lowest fourth. . 132

132. Bristles of cheeks covering at least the lower two-thirds. Sturmia
bristles of cheeks covering less than the lower half (94! .

Hyphantrophaga.

133. Frontals with at least three backwanllv directed bristles in each

row; abdomen largely or wholly opaque pollinose. . 134

With only two such bristles in each row; abdomen shining.

Parachseta.

1 }4. With two or three backwanllv curved bristles outside ot the
frontal rows Pseudoctueta.

Front without such macrocb^etse (109) . . ■ Frontina.
135. Bend of fourth vein without appendage '37

bend of fourth vein with appendage or distinct fold. . I36

TACHINIM.

375

136. Arista distinctly pubescent; facial ridges bristly on the lower

five-sixths. Prospherysa.

Arista bare; facial ridges at most bristly on lower three-fifths (9) .

Tachina.

137. Diameter of head at vibrissa; as great as at root of antennae. 138
Head much shorter at vibrissae than at base of antennae. 139

138. Facial ridges bristly on at least the lower two-thirds.

Tachinopsis.
Facial ridges bristly on less than the lowest third (93) .

Demoticus.

139. Lower front corner of third antennal joint produced tooth-like (5).

Acemyia.
Lower front corner not so produced (1). . . Masicera.

140. Vibrissae on a level with oral margin 141

Vibrissae disiinctly above the oral margin. . . .. 161

141. First vein wholly or partly bristly 142

First vein bare. ......... 143

142. Apical cell open (83). Chaetoplagia.

Apical cell closed and long petiolate (40, 41) . Metachieta.

143. Eyes distinctly hairy. ....... 144

Eyes bare, or with short, indistinct hairs. . . . 146

144. Sides of face without macrochaetae. . . . Winthemia.
Sides of face with macrochaetae, at least near lower end of eye. 145

145. Third joint of antennae at least five times the length of the second.

Paradidyma.
Third joint scarcely as long as the second (105) . Muscopteryx.

146. Apical cell closed 147

Apical cell open; if closed, the petiole less than one-fifth the

length of the hind cross-vein. , 149

147. Frontals not, or scarcely descending below base of antennae. 148
Frontal descending considerably below base of antennae.

Phorichseta.

148. Proboscis two and one-half times the height of the head.

Trochilodes.
Proboscis short, not longer than height of head. Miltogramma.

149. Facial ridges bristly on at least the lower half. . Araba.
Facial ridges bristly on less than lower half. . . . 150

150. Antennae reaching only slightly below middle of face. . 151
Antennae reaching to or below lowest fourth. . . . 153

151. Apical cell open. ........ 152

Apical cell closed, the petiole as long as the anterior cross-vein.

Euthyprosopa .

152. Hind tibiae fringed externally with bristles of equal length.

Thysanomyia.
Bristles of hind tibae of unequal length. . Brachycoma.

153. Face with macrochaetae, at least near lower end of eye. . 154
Sides of face without macrochaetae. ..... 160

376

NORTH AMERICAN IHPTKRA.

154. Head at vibrissa as long as at base of antennae. . . 155

Head at vibrissa; much shorter than at base of antennae. 157

155. Posterior cross-vein much nearer to bend of fourth vein than to

the anterior cross-vein. ...... J56

Posterior cross-vein at most only slightly nearer to bend of fourth
vein than to anterior cross-vein. . . . Trichogena.

156. Fifth vein not reaching the hind margin (39, 61).

Elachipalpus.
Fifth vein reaching the hind margin. . Brachycoma.

157. Facial ridges almost parallel; sides of face at narrowest part

nearly as wide as the median depression. . . . 158
Facial ridges widely diverging below; sides of face less than one-
half as wide as median depression 159

158. Fifth vein not reaching the wing margin (39, 61) .

Elachipalpus.
Fifth vein reaching the wing margin (90). . Opsidia.

159. Fifth vein not reaching the wing margin (39, 61) .

Elachipalpus.
Fifth vein reaching the wing margin (88). . Metopia.

160. Head at vibrissa? much shorter than at root of antenmu.

Hilarella.
Head at vibrissae as long as at root of antenna;. Brachycoma.

161. Head at vibrissa; much shorter than at root of antenna;. 162
Head at vibrissa? as long or longer than at root of antennae. 1 > 8

192. Eyes distinctly hairy. '63

Eyes bare or with very short hairs. . . .' . . 1^4

163. Facial ridges not bristlv on more than lowest fifth; antennae of

male divided longitudinally (103, 10 4). Dichocera.

Facial ridges bristly on at least the lower half (111) . Gifidiopsis.

164. Ocellar bristles wanting (99). . . . Microphthalmir.
Ocellar bristles present 169

165. Ocellar bristles directed backward, robust. . . . 166
Ocellar bristles directed forward 167

166. Front opaque, the vitta deep brown or black (3) . Spallanzania.
Front shining, the vitta light yellow (12, 13). . Gonla.

167. Frontal ridges bristlv on less than the lowest fourth (99).

Microphthalmia.
Frontal ridges bristlv on at least the lower half (87).

Chaetogaedia.

168. Palpi absent or vestigial >(,4

Palpi well developed. . . , • • 175

169. With one or more stout macrochaetae on either side near lower

end of eye. ......... '72

Without such macroclneta;. 17°

170. Abdomen with discal macrochaetae 17*

Abdomen without discal macrochaetae. . . Gymncmma.

171. One discal and one marginal pair of macrochaetae on second ab-

dominal segment Parepalpus.

TACHINID.E. 377

With more than one discal and marginal pairs of macrochaetae on
second abdominal segment Epalpus.

172. Sides of face with one macrochaetae; slender (39, 61).

Tricophora.
Sides of face with two or three macrochaetae. Cuphocera.

173. Face on lower half of its sides bare (113). Bombyliomyia.
At least a portion of sides of face with hairs or macrochaetae. 174

174. Eyes distinctly hairy. 175

Eyes bare or with very short hairs. ..... 176

175. Third antennal joint almost straight on front edge, the tip sub-

truncate (113) Bombyliomyia.

Third antennal joint strongly convex on front edge, the tip
rounded (100) . . . . . . . Jurinella.

176. Ocellar bristles absent 171

Ocellar bristles present. ....... 181

177. Sides of face without macrochaetae. . . . . . 178

Sides of face with two or three macrochaetae (7) . Pelateria.

178. Second segment of abdomen never with more than eight mar-

ginal macrochaetae (11, 102). . . . Archytas.

Second segment with at least twelve marginals. . . 179

179. Palpi gradually thickened from base; proboscis shorter than

height of head. ........ 180

Palpi thickened on distal three-fourth; proboscis at least one and
one-third times the height of head (17). . . Dejeania.

180. Abdomen subquadrate, the tip deeply emarginate (fig. 21, p. 44).

Paradejeania.
Abdomen conical, the tip not emarginate (95). . Jurinia.

181. Vibrissae at least the length of the second antennal joint above

oral margin (46). . . Eucnephalia, Amobia.

Vibrissae at most only half the length of the second antennal

joint above the oral margin. . . . . . 182

182. First posterior cell closed. .... Trochilodes.
First posterior cell open Echinomyia.

Owing to doubt of their true position, the following genera have not
been included in the above table. The references to them will be
found in Aldrich's catalogue:

Eliozeta, Himantostoma, Hemithrixion, Meriana, Parahypochtrta,
IHetadoria, Evibrissa, Besseria, Peteina, Masislylum, Stevenia, Jl/ys-
tacella, Chcetogena, Hypertrophocera, Tricolyga, Tetragrapha, Dcfg-
cherta, Neotractocera (107), Paragcsdia, Cestonia, Gcediophana,
Cryptopalpus, Hystricia. Microchira, Troptdopsis.

378 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

NOTES.

BY PROF. C. H. T. TOWNSEND.

These notes are given in advance of a forthcoming paper, which will
give characterization of new, and reasons for maintaining certain old
genera and species mentioned herein, besides pointing out distinctions
between various forms. When characters are given for species, unless
otherwise stated, it is to be understood that the same have been drawn
from specimens in the United States National Museum, after compar-
ison with the figures.

Fig. i. The American species is probably not festinans.

Fig. 2. The figures agree perfectly with type and cotype in the
National Museum.

Fig. 3. ' Cnephalia pansa. The figure is apparently made from a
male specimen, but does not show the characters clearly. The third
antennal joint is too long, the second too short. After a careful com-
parison of European and American specimens, I am convinced that
Spallazania hebes does not occur in America.

Fig: 4. Rileymyia adusta. The genus should be maintained.

Fig. 5. The type, a female, has the third antennal joint just twice
as long as the second. The eyes descend almost as low as the vibrissa;.

Fig. 6. Atacta, sp. Not typical of Alaeta. which has cheeks wider,
appearing one-fifth of eye-height from side view; second antennal
joint strongly elongate; antennae inserted rather below middle of eyes.

Fig. 8. Plagia aurifrons. This appears tube the wing of /'. auri-
fronsy which is distinct from americana.

Fig. 9. Tachinomyia robusta female. The figure does not show
vibrissal insertion high enough, nor the cheeks wide enough.

Fig. 10. Gymnoclytia immaculate. This species is not congen-
eric with the European Cistogaster globosa.

Fig. 11. Archytas lateralis. Ptilinal suture apparently omitted;
a bristle from opposite side of front included.

Fig. 12, 13. (Ionia frontosa. Not G. capita/a. which has second
aristal joint about as long as the third. Although the lengths of the
arista! joints are variable in Gonia, they do not vary so much as to in-
validate their usefulness.

Fig. 14. Clauskclla sp. Not typical of Thryptocera. The epistoma
is not so prominent in Thryptocera . the frontal bristles are stronger,
aristal joint is proportionally longer.

Fig. 16. Argyrontima setigera. Not typical of clausicella , which
has apical cell closed.

Fig. iS, 19. Acaulona cristata. The apical cell is sometimes short
petiolate.

Fig. 20. Alophora futnosa. Agrees with type. Not very typical of
Mop/iora, but best referred here provisionally.

Fig. 21. IlyaloiHyia. sp. Typical wing, not Phorantha,

TACHINID.^. 379

Fig. 22. Alophora, sp., not rhorantha.

Fig. 25. Euscopolia dakotensis. Third vein is bristly more than
half way to cross-vein.

Figs. 30, 31. Neophyto setosa. Is not a Phy 'to. I propose to call the
genus Neophyto, and will give full details elsewhere.

Figs. 32, 33. Rhinophora mexicana. Small cross-vein lacking.
The fourth vein of Rhinophora is normally not represented by a stump
beyond apical cross-vein, but by a wrinkle.

Fig. 34. Euphantopteryx eumyothyroides; is not E. thelitis Walk.

Fig. 35. Phasioclista, sp. female.

Fig. 36. Anisia sp. This genus, to be employed at all, will have to
be restricted to species of some particular type. The genus as orig-
inally established includes many diverse forms.

Figs. 39, 61. Copecrypta ritficauda, new genus.

Figs. 40, 41. 3/etachcrta atra. Apparently this species, though

the type in the National Museum has the apical cross-vein only very
slightly, almost imperceptibly bisinuate.

Figs. 42, 43, 45 and 52. Diaphoropeza braueri, new genus.

Figs. 44, 53. Oedimapeza toivnsendi. This and the preceding spe-
cies are not congeneric, and neither one can be referred to Vander-
wulpia or Atrophopoda. I propose the former name for braueri and
the latter for townsendi, and they will be described elsewhere.

Fig. 46. Eucnephalia gonioides. The arista is shorter than the third
antennal joint; there are weak bristles on the wide parafacials, and the
facialia are bristly more than half way up.

Fig. 50. Not a true Phorocera, nor can it be referred to Plagipros-
pherysa or Prosopodes.

Fig. 51. Didyma calyptrata. Not a true Didyma, for which D.
albombicans Wulp should be taken as the type.

Fig. 55. Sciasma nebulosa. Small cross-vein about midway between
hind cross-vein and end of first vein.

Fig. 56. Frontal bristlss usually descend to insertion of arista.

Fig- 57- Parexorista nobilis.

Figs. 63 and 64. Paranophbra diademoides. This is not Ervia
triqitetra of Olivier, nor of Robineau Desvoidy, nor does it belong to
Ervia Desv. It is, however, the species so determined by Coquillett.
The frontal bristles descend one bristle lower.

Figs. 65, 66. Aporia limacodis. This is a true Aporia, not a Mac-
quartia. The head is that of a female. Dexia tristis Walk, seems to
be an Aporia, but quite impossible to identify from the description.

Figs. 67, 68. The figures agree with a male cotype of Leucostonia
nigricornis, except that the third antennal joint should be the same
length as the second. I consider nigricornis and senilis distinct and
will give reasons elsewhere.

Figs. 69, 79. Siphoplagia anomala. First vein bristly to opposite
end of auxiliary, and third vein to opposite origin of apical cross-vein.

380 NORTH AMERICAN DIPTBRA.

Figs. 71 and 76. Xanthomelanodes arcuata. Figure evidently
made from an oblique viewpoint. Xantlwmclana is preoccupied in
Aves (Bonaparte, 1850).

Figs. 72, 75. Sarcotnacronychia, sp. Not Pachyophthalntus. I
five elsewhere distinctive differences.

Figs- 73. 74- Goniochceta plagiodes. A small costal spine some-
times. The frontal and parafacial bristles usually appear as a con-
tinuous row, the latter directed downward. The foremost frontali
inserted opposite base of third joint. There are three proclinate orbi-
tal bristles in each sex, the middle ones sometimes weak.

Fig. 78. Sibhona illinoisensis. Differs from geniculate in the
widened and flattened third antennal joint, convexity of third aristal
joint, etc.

Figs. 80, 81. Euthera tentatrix. The second antennal joint is
sometimes almost as long as the third, the latter in such case being
shortened so as to make the antennae scarcely longer than face. The
third joint is normally of equal width throughout; truncate at tip.

Fig. 82. Drepanoglossa lucens. The anterior upper fronto-orbital(re-
clinate) bristle is stronger than any other save the vertical. I give
elsewhere the differences between Epigrimyia and Drepanoglossa.

Figs. 84, 85. Euthyprosopa peliolata. Compared with cotype the
front pair of ocellar bristles is longer than shown in figure, and third
antennal joint is pointed at apex. The frontal bristles are shorter.
The hind cross-vein may be nearer the angle of the fourth vein in
some specimens than in others.

Fig. 87. Chcetogcedia acroglossoides. Apparently the male of /-'rou-
tine! acroglossoides Towns. I give elsewhere distinctions between this
species and Baumhaueria ana/is Wulp, with notes on Chestogeedia,
and an allied new genus. The figure should show the outer row of
frontal bristles differentiated from the bristly hairs of parafrontals and
the second antennal joint longer to agree with eastern specimens
which I am inclined to identify as this species.

Fig. 89. Atropharista jurinoides. I give reasons elsewhere for
maintaining this ^enus.

Fig. 91. Eujurinia pollinosa. I propose this name for Hystricia
pollinosa Wulp. A specimen from Mexico differs from the figure in
the somewhat wider cheeks and the not bowed palpi.

Fig. 92. Euclytta flava. I propose the new genus Euclytia for Cly-
tiaflava and give particulars elsewhere.

Fig. 93. Neofischeria flava Towns. 11. g. et n. sp. The genus and
species are characterized elsewhere. This is not Demoiicus venatoris
Coq., which by the way is not a Demoiicus, and for which I propose
the new genus Parafischeria. The figure should show the well de-
veloped palpi, which are elongate, a little thickened distally and
slightly curved.

Fig. 94. Hyphantrophaga hyPhan trice, male. The parafacials be-
low ami the cheeks should be narrower to agree with topotypes in the
National Museum.

TACHINID^. 381

Figs. 97, 98. ■ Plagiprospherysa valida. The parafacials are not
so wide below in tototypes in the National Museum. The species is
apparently closely allied to P. parvipalpis, but needs comparison.

Fig. 100. Pseudohystricia ambigua, male. The genus differs from
Jurinella in the wider parafacials and more produced front.

Fig. 101. Saundersia sp? Can not be a Nemorcra, which has the
epistoma less prominent and the face more receding and lengthened.

Fig. 105. iftuscopteryx sp. Probably M. chcetosula.

Fig. 106. Compared with a cotype there is a pair of short reclinate
fronto-orbital bristles opposite the ocellar pair, wanting in figure.

Fig. 109. Achcetoneura archippivora, male. This is Achcetoneura
and not Frontina. Notes on the distinction will be published else-
where.

Fig. no. Senotainia flavicornis. This is distinct from rubriventris.

Fig. in. Gcediopsis sp? This maybe mexicana, but is not the
species so determined by Coquillett, which I shall describe as a new
genus and species, Poliophrys sierricola.

Fig. 112. Stomatodexia analis. If Dexia analis Say is congeneric
with Dexia diadema Wied. and the species figured is correctly iden-
tified with the former, it is incorrect in having the first posterior cell
end so far from the wing tip.

Fig. 113. Bombyliomyia abrupta. The arista is longer than the
third antennal joint.

Fig. 114. Chcztoglossa picticornis. The figure lacks the long and
extremely delicate proboscis.

National Museum, June, 1907.

35

LIX. Family HIPPOBOSCID^.

Fig. 159. Pseudolfersia fumipennis, enlarged. After Lugger.

Head flattened, usually attached to au emargination of
the thorax; face short; palpi forming a sheath for the
proboscis, not projecting in front of the head; anten-
nae inserted in pits or depressions near the border of the
mouth, apparently one-jointed, with or without a ter-
minal bristle or long hairs. Eyes round or oval,
ocelli present or absent. Thorax flattened, leath-
ery in appearance; scutellum broad and short. Halteres
small or rudimentary. Abdomen sac-like, leathery in
appearance, the sutures indistinct. Legs short and strong,
broadly separated by the sternum; tarsi short; claws
strong and often denticulated. Wings present or absent;
the veins always approximated to the anterior border,
with less strong ones running obliquely across the wing.

The flies of this family are always parasitic in the adult
condition upon birds and mammals; they have a pecu-

38a

HIPPOBOSCIM.

3*3

liar louse-like appearance, and one often encounters
them in handling recently killed birds, especially the
raptorial birds. They have a quick, short flight, seek-
ing the beard or hair of the collector within which they
run nimbly, seeking to hide. The following table is
based chiefly upon Speiser's studies of the genera of the
world.

Fig. 160. Hippoboscidse, Streblidre. 1, tridentate claw; 2, Ornith-
omyia, wing; 3, Aspidoptera, wing (Speiser); 4, Trichobius, wing
(Speiser, the slight emargi nation of the distal wing border is not
shown); 5, Sired/a, wing (from specimen from southern Kansas, E.
A. Popenoe).

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Wings functional. ......... 2

Wings vestigial or wanting. ....... 8

2. Claws simple, that is with no accessory tooth between the enlarged

basal plate and the tip. ....... 3

Claws with an accessory tooth. ...... 4

3. Three longitudinal veins present; wings caducous, often broken and

ragged, especially in the female. . . . Lipoptena.

Six longitudinal veins; wings not caducous. . . Ornithoica.

4. Anal cross-vein present, the anal cell complete. ... 5
Anal cell open, not closed by a cross-vein. .... 6

5. Ocelli present (2).

Ornithomyia, Ornithopertha, Ornithoctena.
Ocelli absent. . Stilbometopa.

6. Wings lanceolate, the tip rounded; scutellum truncate. Lynchia.
Wings of usual shape; scutellum not truncate. ... 7

7. Distance of oral border from frontal suture as great as from suture

to vertex (fig. 159) Pseudolfersia.

Distance from oral border to suture distinctly less than from sut-
ure to vertex Olfersia.

8. Wings vestigial; halteres present. ...... 9

Wings and halteres wholly wanting. . . Melophagus.

9. Claws simple Lipoptena.

Claws with an accessory tooth. . . Brachypteromyia.

LX. Family STREBLID^.

Head of moderate size, with a freely movable neck.
Eyes, when present, small, nnfaeetted, or with very few
facets. Ocelli wanting. Antennae inserted in a pit, two-
jointed, the second joint with a bristle. Proboscis short,
not protrusible, thickened at base. Palpi broader than
long, not forming a sheath for the proboscis, projecting,
leaf like in front of the head. Abdomen with a distinct basal
segment, the other segments rarely distinguishable, the
first segment with peculiar bristles for the protection of
the wings when at rest. Hind coxae always enlarged; fifth
joint of tarsi usually enlarged and elongate. Claws
never distinctly toothed; pulvilli present. Wings some-
times wanting or vestigial; when present the surface
pubescent and the veins rather stout.

Fig. 161. Megistopoda [Pterellipsis) aratiete, enlarged (Speiser).

The members of this small family of cosmopolitan dip-
tera, are, with the exception of one reported case, exclu-

384

STREBUD^. 385

sively parasitic upon bats. Their breeding habits are
not well known. Kolenati believed them to be oviparous,
but Speiser is of the opinion that their breeding habits are
not unlike those of the Hippoboseidse.

TABLE OF GENERA.

1. Wings functional, with six longitudinal and nearly parallel veins

and three outer cross-veins. ...... 2

Wings vestigial or wanting, not functional. .... 3

2. Thorax distinctly longer than broad; abdomen distinctly segment-

ated, with two large proximal and three small distal segments;
last tarsal joint not remarkably thickened (5) . Strebla.

Thorax rounded, but little or not at all longer than broad; abdomen
usually indistinctly segmentated; last tarsal joint thickened
and elongate (4). Trichobius.

3. Legs of usual length (3) . . . . . Aspidoptera.
Hind legs greatly elongated, twice the length of the body (Pterel-

lipsis) (fig. 161). Megistopoda.

LXI. Family NYCTERIBIID^.

Small, spider-like, wingless flies. Head oval, folding
back when at rest in a groove on the dorsum of the tho-
rax. Antennae short, two-jointed, the oval terminal
joint with bristles inserted in tubercles. Eyes and ocelli
vestigial. Thorax depressed, laterally anteriorly with
comb-like bristles. Abdomen oval, with more or less
distinct segmental scutes. Legs long, the knees at rest
prominent above the thorax. Femora broad; tibiae club-
bed or shovel-shaped; metatarsus very long. Halteres
pedunculate or sessile, in the latter case often indistinct.

This family includes a considerable number of species,
distributed widely in different parts of the world, all of
them parasitic upon bats. Various attempts have been
made to divide the group into smaller genera, but not
with much success, Nyctcribia being the only well defined
genus known. Penicillidia differs in the more aborted
and sessile halteres, and the species are of larger size,
but I doubt its validity.

3«6

APPENDIX.

During the printing of this work several genera new
to America have been added in recent publications; other
changes or additions I have ascertained by the examina-
tion of types. The student is requested to insert marginal
references in the body of the work wherever such changes
or additions should be made.

Page 25, near middle, for 'maxillae' read mandibles; fourth line from
bottom for 'not' read seldom.

Page 28, third line, strike out remainder of sentence beginning 'and
it has been said', and see footnote, page 81.

Page 35, Mr. Austen urges the abandonment of the term 'metatarsus',
and I quite agree with him that the word, as used, is etymologically
incorrect. Whether or not distinctive terms for the different tarsal
joints are desirable I do not know, but I suggest the following: pro-
tarsus, epitarsus, mesotarsus, metatarsus, onychotarsus.

Page 41, second line from bottom, for 'Cubital 1, 2' read Medial 1,
2, 3; next line for 'V3, Cubital 3' read VII 1, 2, Cubital 1, 2.

Page 42, fig. 16, read Thereva, Therevidse.

Page 86, last couplet, change to read:

Antenna? 14-jointed; 15 in Elephantomyia.
Antennae 16-jointed; 12 in Toxorhina.

Page 91, read Tanypremna and Long-uric

Pages 112, 1 14, first and seventh lines, for iAblabesimyia\ read Tany-
pus; fifth and fourth lines for 'Tuny pus' read Protenthes. Page 114,
eighth line, for '/sop/ates', preoc. read Tanypus. These corrections
are by Prof. Johannsen.

Page 140, near middle, for 'three'. read two.

Page 142, change last two lines to read: Palpi four or five jointed;
antennae eight to twelve jointed, etc.

Page 148, last line, for "facts' read facets.

Page 155, fifth line, insert twelve to before 'sixteen'.

Page 162, Misgomyia Coq. (Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 1908, 145). Near
Arthroceras, four posterior cells; two spurs on hind tibiae. M. obscu-
ra Coq.-Va.

Page 163. An examination of the type of Spatiia edeta in the Brit-
ish Museum discloses the fact that it is a true Ptiolina; Spatiia is
not known to occur in North America. Footnote on same page, for
'Rupellia' read Ruppelia.

3«7

388

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Page 167, second line, insert flagellnm of before 'antenna'.

Page 16S. Mr. Verrall informs nie that the real difference between
Neoexaireta and Actum is the ocular pubescence of the latter. He
also adopts the name Ciiorisops Roml. in lien of .Xeoexaireta.

Page 181, for 'Alisonia' read Akronia, and for 'Acanthina' pre-
oc. read Acanthinomyia Hunter. Myiochrysa coerulia is a syno-
nym of SargUS viridis, according to Verrall.

Page 180, near bottom, for 'Hamatopota' read Haematopota.

Page 1S5. An examination of the type of Nothra americana Big. in
Mr. Verrall's cabinet discloses the tact that the species is ri^lnly
placed. The venation is qnite like that of Pterodontia, save that there
is only a slight angulation in place of the costal spur. This character,
however, is not generic; it is disregarded in l)psebins. Mr. Verrall
separates the genera by the presence of but a single aristal hair in
Nothra, three in Pterodontia, but considering the differences used in
generic separation in this family I think Nothra should be suppressed,
Same page, for 'Appcleia' read Apelleia.

Page 191, couplet 3, last line, insert often after 'proboscis.'

Page 197, et seq. Asilidse. The distinction between the Leptogas-
trina; and Dasypogoninae is apparently bridged over by a new genus
from Brazil, represented by a specimen in my cabinet, of which a fig-
ure is here given. The form is quite intermediate between Leptogas-
/^r and Plesiomma. I am unable to make out the structure of the
palpi.

Fig. [63. New genus of Asilidae between Leptogaster and Plesiomma.

APPENDIX. 389

Dr. Back, who has examined the type of Sphageus, distinguishes
the genus as follows:

"Front and middle femora with a patch of short, stout bristles below;
third antennal joint without excision on inner distal part.

Sphageus.
Front and middle femora without such patches of bristles; third an-
tennal joint with excision on inner distal part; near the prox-
imal margin of second and third abdominal segments with a
white or yellowish pollinose crossband. . . Dizonias."
Dr. Back also has made ' Habropogon' bilineatus the type of a new
genus, with the following definition:

"Front not unusually widened above; bristles on the lateral margin
and posterior callosities and scutellar margin numerous and
well developed; third antennal joint short and broad; species
much resembling Stenopogon in general appearance.

Willistonina."
Page 195, near middle for 'fraudigera' read sabulonum.
Page 198, couplet 7, third line, for '7' read 8; in couplets 11 and 12,
transpose '12' and '13'.

Page 221; couplet 28 first line, for 'male' read female.
Page 203. The genus Dasyllis, according to Col. Yerbury, comprises
but a single species, the type; the American species should be united
with Laphria. In this opinion I agree. According to the same author-
ity Nusa is not a synonym for Andrenosoma, which should be sub-
stituted for that word in the eleventh line.

Page 206. Mr. Verrall has resuscitated Dialineura Rond. for those
species of Thereva having a hairy front, the face bare and the first
antennal joint thickened. This definition will apply to some, prob-
ably to all of those species included under 'Thereva, pt.' in couplet
3 and should be substituted therefor.

Page 217. The type specimen of Rhabdopselaphus mus Bigot, one
of the three or four genera of this family I had never seen, in Mr.
Verrall's collection, lacks the head; otherwise it isa true Geron. Bigot
erred in ascribing three submarginal cells to the genus.

P. 256, couplet 53, for 'Licastrirhyncha' read Lycastrirhyncha
Page 269, sixth line from bottom, for 'irridescent wing' read irides-
cent wings.

Page 277, couplet 3, first line, for '5' read 4; Callopistromyia
Hendel (1907) replaces Callopistria, preoc. Eurycephalomyia
Hendel (ibid) replaces Eurycephala, preoc.

Page 279, first line, for 'Richarulia' read Richardia; Macroste-
nomyia Hendel (1907) replaces Stenomacra, preoc.

Page 283, first couplet, for 'slump' read stump, and 'Toxytrypana'
read Toxotrypana.

Page 288. Hendel (Wien. ent. Zeit., 1907, 228) adopts Chcetoccelia
G. T. for several species of Sapromyza, of which S. angustipennis (5)
is one, having long, pictured wings and small tubercles at the insertion
of the fronto-orbital bristles. Camptoprosopella melanoptera, gen.
et sp. now (Puebla, Mex.) he distinguishes from Physogenua by the
nongibbous face, which is straight and retreating save at oral margin,

39°

NORTH AMERICAN DII'TKRA.

bare arista, etc. Siphonophysa lie proposes for a new spec'\es(f>ecl7>tti/cr,
Brazil) and probably .V. sordid a Wied. (Brazil and West Indies) hav-
ing the arista plumose above only and a 'hinten ausgeschweiften Au-
genrand'). Chwtoarlia maybe accepted, but the other two genera I
think should be held in abeyance for the present. If they are accepted
a dozen or more of the American species of Sapromyza and Pachyce-
rina should receive new names.

Mr. Hendel republishes the earliest paper of Meigen, of which two
copies only are known to be in existence, in which scores of names,
mau\' of them repudiated later by Meigen, antedate some of the most
common genera in diptera, and advises their substitution! He would
have deserved the thanks of a long suffering public had he withheld
these copies instead of republishing.

Page 294, couplet 3, third line add: or the proboscis not long and
geniculate. Phyllomyza nitens Loew is a Paramyia.

Page 295. Mr. Becker, recently, makes Ophthalmomyia a synonym
of Milichiella G. T. (i8o5);|he is conect.

Page 298. Geomyzidre. Pseudiastata Coq. (Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash.
1908), near Diastata, but second basal cell coalescent with discal;
three fronto-orbitals; vibrissa; present. — nebulosa Coq. Md. Muti-
loptera Coq. (ibid.); wings six times longer than wide; arista short
plumose; one fronto-orbital; no postverticals; vibrissa? present; hind
border of wing concave, — apicalis Coq. N. Dak.

Page 299, second line from bottom, for 'posterior' read basal.

Page 301, couplet 2, dele 'p. 80,12 and'.

Page 303, eighteenth line, for 'and small' read or absent.

Page 308, couplet 22, for 'sixth' read fifth.

Page 325, Helomyzidae. A very useful review of the North American
Helomyzida;, recently published by Aldrich and Darlington (Trans:
Amer. Knt. Soc. xxiv, March, 1908) adds two new genera to our fauna.
These, together with one recently described by Coquillett (Can. En-
tom. March, 1907) may be differentiated from those given in the table
as follows:

Near Helomyza. a propleural, twodorsocentral. two fronto-orbitals,
one sternopleural bristles present (pi/osus, Mass.) Achaetomus Coq.

Humeral, propleural, one dorsocentral, one fronto-orbital, no sterno-
pleural bristles present; oral margin receding, as in AnorO stoma,
{johnsoni, Mass. ) ...... Porsenus Darl.

A humeral, propleural, five dorsocentral, two fronto-orbital, two
sternopleural bristles present; auxiliary vein indistinct, [oregona,
litore a, Oregon, Calif.) Siligo Aldr.

The authors reject Heteromyza as of doubtful occurrence in North
America, leaving all the American forms easily recognized by the pec-
tinate costa. They also merge Scoliocentra into Leria, — which I doubt.

Page 329, couplet 6, second line for 'pleural' read central.

Page 334, couplet 13, for 'cell' read vein.

Page 376, couplet 164,- for '169' read 165.

Mr. Townsend proposes to make the specimen illustrated in Fig.
1.56 the type of a new genus and species, which he will call EuepalpUS
flavicauda. For Fig. 157, he also proposes the new genus and species
Eufabridid ftavicans Towns.

INDEX

Ablabesmyia, 114

Ablautus, 197
Acanthina, 171
Acanthinomyia, 388
Acanthocnema, 330
Acanthomera, 174

ACANTHOMERID^, 173

Acaulona, 361
Acemyia, 374
Achalcus, 234
Achaetonius, 390
Achaetoneura, 380
Acicephala, 330
Acidia, 286
Acidogona, 287
Aciura, 286
Acnemia, 137
Acontistoptera, 239
Acorhynchus, 127
Acreotrichus, 216
ACROCERiDiE, 182
Acrochseta, 169
Acrocera, 185
Acrodiplosis, 128
Acrometopia, 296
Acronacantha, 356
Acrosticta, 278
Acrotsenia, 287
Actina, 168
Actora, 323
Admontia, 363
Aedes, 108
Aedomyia, 107
Aenigmatias, 239
Agathomyia, 243
Agonosoma, 232
Agromyza, 295
AgromyzicE, 291
Akronia {Alison id) , 171
Alasion, 116
Aldrichia, 214
Allognosta, 168
Allograpta, 255
Allopogon, 201
Allophyla, 325

Allotrichoma, 307
Alophora 361, 378
Amalopis, 90
Amobia, 377
Amphicneph.es, 275
Amphicosmus, 216
Anacampta, 276
Anaclinia, 138
Analcocerus, 170
Anarmostus, 204
Anastoechus, 215
Anastrepha, 283
Anatopynia, 113
Andrenosoma, 389
Anepsius, 233
Anisia, 367, 379
Anisomera, 90
Anisotamia, 215
Anopheles, 107
Anorostoma, 325
Anthalia, 225
Anthepiscopus, 225
Anthomyia, 335
Anthomvid^, 331
Anthrax, 214
Antocha, 88
Aochletus, 171
Apalocnemis, 226
Apatolestes, 180
Aphestia, 202
Aphiochyeta, 238
Aphoebantus, 217
Aphrosylus, 233
Aphria, 372
Apinops, 365
Apiocera, 189
Apiocerid^E, 188
Apocephalus, 238
Apomidas, 188
Apophorhynchus, 281
Aporia, 379
Appeleia, 185
Aprionus, 130
Aptilotus, 316
Araba, 375

391

392

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Archilestris, 198

Arebvtas, 577
Arctobiella, 296
Arctophila, 257
Argyra, 234
Arnoldia, 128
Arribalzagia, 188
Arthroceras, 162
Artbrocnodax, 128
Arthropeas, 162
Asemosyrphns, 258
Asilus, 203
Asiud^e, 192
Asindnlum, 137
Asphondylia, 126
Aspistes, 144
Asteia, 302, 312
Astrophanes, 214
Asynapta, 129
Asyndetus, 233
Atacta, 372
Atarba, 88
Ateloglossa, 355
Atberix, 163
Atbyroglossa, 307
Atomosia, 202
Atonia, 202
Atractia, 203
Atrichopogon, 116
Atropharista, 380
Atrophopalpus, 363
Atylotus, 181
Aulacigaster, 295
Automola, 276
Azelia, 336

Baccba, 254
Baldratia, 127
Balioptera, 298
Barypblegma, 287
Batbydexia, 354
Baumbaueria, 372
Belvosia, 372
Beris, 168
Berisniyia, 168
Beskia, 371
Besseria, 377
Bezzia, 116
Bibio, 143
Bibiocephala, 151
Bibiodes, 143

Bibionid.k, 140
Bicellaria, 225
Bionivia, 373
Bischofia, 323
Bittacomorpba, 91
Blastocera, 172
Blepharepium, 201
Ble])baripeza, 374
Blepharocera, 151

BLEPHAROCKRID/E, 148
Blepbaroneura, 287
Blepbaroprocta, 224
Bogeria, 347
Bolbomyia, 163
Boletina; 138
Bolitophila, 136
Boloniyia, 373
BOMBYUin^E, 2IO
Bombyliomvia, 377
Bombylius, 215
BorboriD/E, 315
Borborus, 316
Boreodromia, 223
Bracbycampta, 139
Bracbycoma, 375
Bracbydeutera, 309
Bracbyneura, 130
Bracbyopa, 256
Bracbyopbyra, 334
Brachypalpus, 259
Bracbypremna, 91
Bracbystoma, 224
Brachypteromyia, 383
Bremia, 128
Bricinnia, 275
Briciniella, 275
Bryocrypta, 129
Bryomyia, 130
Bucentes, 371

Cacodaemon, 199
Cacomyia, 109

Cacosis, 171
Cacoxenus, 296
Caenia, 309
Callicera, 252
Callimyia, 243
Callinicus, 201
Calliphora, 343
Callopistria, 277
Calobata, 266

INDEX.

393

Calodexia, 357
Calotarsa, 243
Camarona, 355
Campeprosopa, 170
Cainpsicnemus, 235
Catnptocladius, 115
Camptomyia, 129
Camptoneura, 276
Carapylomyza, 127, 130
Canace, 306
Caricea, 336
Cardiacephala, 266
Carphotricha, 287
Catocha, 127
Cecidomyia, 126
CEODOMYiD/E, 117
Celatoria, 369
Cellia, 108
Ceratitis, 283
Ceratobarys, 312
Ceratocystia, 109
Ceratogopsis, 199
Ceratolophus, 116
Ceratomyiella, 363
Ceratomyza, 295
Ceratopogon, 115
Ceraturgus, 199
Ceria, 252
Ceriogaster, 257
Ceroplatus, 137
Cerotainia, 202
Cerozodia, 81
Cephalia, 275
Cephenomyia, 347
Cestonia, 377
Chaetoclusia, 320
Chaetogaedia, 376
Chsetogena; 377
Chsetoglossa, 372
Chcetona, 330, 356
Chsetophleps, 365
Chaetoplagia, 375
Cbaetopsis, 278
Chalarus, 245
Chalcoinyia, 253
Chamaesyrphus, 255
Charadrella 336
Chasmatonotus, 114
Chelipoda, 223
Chersodromia, 223
Chilosia, 253
Chionea, 86

36

Chiromyza, 168
Chironomus, 115
Chironomid^E, 1 10
Chloroprocta, 342
Chlorops, 313
Cholotnyia, 356
Chordonota, 170
Chorisops, 388
Choristoma, 236
Choristoneura, 127
Chortophila, 336
Chrysoceria, 201
Chrysochlamys, 259
Chrysochlora, 171
Chrysochroma, 169
Chrysogaster, 233
Chrysomyia, 342
Chrysoniyza, 278
Chrysopila, 163
Chrysops, 180
Chrysotimus, 234
Chrysotoxum, 252, 257
Chrysotus, 235
Chyliza, 268
Cistogaster, 361
Cladochaeta, 302
Cladodromia, 223
Cladura, 88
Clausicella, 365
Clinocera, 224
Clinodiplosis, 129
Clinogaster, 372
Clinoneura, 357
Clinopea, 343
Clinorhyncha, 126
Clinorhytis, 129
Clista, 367
Clitellaria, 171
Clytiomyia, 371
Clusia, 320
Clusiodes, 320
Cnephalia, 378
Coeloglutus, 233
Ccelometopia, 279
Coelomyia, 336
Ccelopa, 317
Coenomyia, 162
Coenosia, 336
Coloboneura, 223
Colomyia, 129
Colpodia, 126
Comoptera, 238

394

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Comotacta, 374
Coinyops, 357
Conchy Hastes, 159
Condidea, 257
Coniceps, 279
Conicera, 238
Conopid^, 261
Conops, 263
Contarina, 129
Copestylum, 256
Cophura, 201
Coquillettia, 214
Coquillettidea, 109
Cordyligaster, 356
Cordylura, 330
Cordylurid^, 327
Corethra, 107
Corethrella, 107
Corynoneura, 114
Cricotopus, 115
Crioprora, 259
Criorhina, 259
Cryptochaetum, 295
Cryptolabis, 88
Cryptomeigenia, 363
Cryptopalpus, 377
Ctenophora, 91
Culex, 108
Culicelsa, 109
Culicada, 109
Cult eel la, 109
CuucidjE, 86
Culicoides, 116
Culiseta, 108
Cuphocera, 377
Curtonotuni, 302
Cuterebra, 347
Cycloleppteron, 108
Cyliudrotoma, 90
Cynipimorpha, 172
Cynomyia, 342, 350
Cyphomyia, 170
Cyrtid^, 182
Cyrtometopia, 279
Cyrtoneurina, 343
Cyrtophlcbia, 372
Cyrtopogon, 200
Cyrtosoma, 357
Cystiphora, 128

Dactylocladius, 115

Dueochaeta, 377
Dalmannia, 263
Darualis, 198
Dasylechia, 203
Dasyllis, 203
Dasyneura, 128
Dejeania, 377
Deinocerites, 107
Demoticus, 375
Dermatobia, 347
Deromyia, 201
Desmatomyia, 217
Desniatoneura, 217
Desmometopa, 295
Dexia, 355
Dexiid^;, 352
Dexiopsis, 336
Dexiosoma, 357
Diachlorus, 181
Diacrita, 276
Diadocidia, 136
Diallactes, 129
Dialineura, 387
Dialysis, 163
Diamesa, 114
Diapboropeza, 379
Diaphorus, 235
Dicranomyia, 87
Dicolonus, 200
Dichseta, 307
Dichelacera, 181
Dichocera, 376
Diclisa, 180
Dicranophora, 169
Dicranoptycha, 88
Dicranota, 90
Dicrodiplosis, 128
Dictanus, 197
Didyma, 367
Dilophus, 143
Dioctria, 200
Dioneea, 369
Diostracus, 234
DiopsiDjE, 314
Diotrepha, 88
Dipalta, 214
Diplosis, 126
Dirhiza, 126
Discobola, 87
Discocerina, 307
Discomyza, 307
Ditomyia, 137

INDEX.

395

Dixa, 95
Dixid^, 94
Dizonias, 199
Docosia, 138
Dolicocephala, 224
Dolichogaster, 191
Dolichoglossa, 335
Dolichomyia, 217
Dolichopeza, 91
Douchopodid^E, 228
Dolichopus, 232
Doliosyrphus, 256
Doryclus, 202
Drapetis, 223
Drepanoglossa, 380
Drosophila, 302
Drosophiud^, 299
Dryomyia, 128
Dryomyza, 323
Dynatosoma, 137

E

Eccoptomera, 326
Eccritosia, 203
Ecculex, 109
Echinodexia, 357
Echthodopa, 200
Echinotnyia, 377
Ecitomyia, 238
Eclimus, 216
Ectecephala, 312
Ectyphus, 191
Elachipalpus, 376
Elachiptera, 312
Elephantomyia, 87
EHiponeura, 312
Elliptera, 88
Eliozeta, 377
Empeda, 819
Empidid^E, 218
Empimorpha, 226
Empis, 226
Endaphis, 128
Ensina, 287
Epacmus, 217
Epalpus, 377
Ephydra, 309
Ephydrid^;, 303
Epicypta, 138
Epidapus, 139
Epidosis, 126
Epigrimyia. 371

Epiphragma, 89
Epiplatea, 279
Epochroa, 286
Erax, 203
Eremomyia, 335
Eretmoptera, 113
Eriocera, 90
Erioptera, 88
Eristalis, 256
Ervia, 365
Erythrandra, 350
Euantha, 356
Euaresta, 287
Eucessia, 217
Euchietogyne, 357
Euclytia, 380
Eucnephalia, 377
Eudexia, 357 *
Eudicrana, 137
Eugnoriste, 139
Eujurinia, 380
Eulasiona, 363
Eulonchus, 185
Eumetopia, 278
Euparhyphus, 171
Eupeodes, 255
Euphara, 278
Euphantopteryx, 379
Euphorocera, 374
Eurina, 313
Eurosta, 287
Eurycephala, 277
Euryceromyia, 365
Eurycnemus, 115
Euryneura, 171
Euryomyia, 336
Euscopolia, 371
Eusiphona, 295
Eustalomyia, 335
Eutanypus, 114
Eutarsus, 235
Euthera, 374
Euthyneura, 225
Euthyprosopa, 375
Eutreta, 287
Eutrixa, 369
Euxesta, 278
Evibrissa, 377
Exechia, 139
Exepacmus, 216
Exorista, 374
Exoristoides, 373
Exoprosopa, 214

396

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Feltidia, 109
Ferdinandea, 259
Firenia, 130
Forcipomyia, 116
Frontina, 374
Fucellia, 336

G

Gastrophilus, 346
Gsediophana, 377
Gaediopsis, 376
Gastrops, 308
Gaurax, 312
Geminaria, 216
Geomyzid^E, 297
Geosargus, 169
Geranomyia, 87
Geron, 217
Ginglimyia, 371
Glaurotricha, 257
Glutops, 162
Gnophomyia, 89
Gnorista, 137
Gonia, 376
Goniochteta, 371
Goniops, 180
Gononiyia, 89
Graphoniyia, 343
Griphoiieura, 290
Gymnochseta, 373
Gymnoclytia, 378
Gynmodexia, 355
Gymnometopa, 109
Gymnotnma, 376
Gyinnophania, 361
Gyninophora, 238
Gymnopternus, 233
Gynmosoma, 361

H

Habropogon, 200
Had nun via, 259
Haeniagogus, 108
Hsematobia, 342
Hseniatopota, 180
Hammerschmidtia, 256
Hammomyia, 336
Haplomera, 226
Hannandia, 129
Heleodroinia, 224
Helicobia, 351

Hcligmoneura, 204
Helobia, 89
Heloniyza, 325
Helophilus, 258
Henierodromia, 223
Hemeromyia, 295
Hemichlora, 342
Hemithrixion, 377
HEtOMYZID^, 324
Heniyda, 363
Henicomyia, 207
Hercostomus, 233
Hermetia, 171
Hesperempis, 226
Hesperinus, 143
Hesperodes, 143
Hesperomvia, 350
Heteracaniha, 168
Heteriiigomyia, 320
Heterocheila, 323
Heterochroa, 29S
Heteromyia, 116
Heteromyza, 326
Heteroneura, 320
Hetkroxeurid^, 318
Heteropeza, 126, 130
Heteropogon, 201
Heteropterina, 371
Heterostylum, 215
Hexachseta, 283
Hexamitocera, 330
Hiatus, 276
Hilara, 226
Hilarella, 376
Hilarempis, 226
Hilariinorplia, 157, 163, 218
Hiniantostotna, 377
Himeroiissa, 275
Hippelates, 312
Hippo boscid/E, 382
Hirinoneura, 1S7
Histiodroma, 169
Holcocephala, 200
Holoneurus, 129
Holopogon, 200
Holorusia, 91
Homalomyia, 334
Homodexia, 357
Hoinogenia, 361
Hoplogaster, 336
Horinoinvia, 126
Hormopeza, 224

INDEX.

397

Houghia, 374
Hyadesimyia, 343
Hyadina, 308
Hyalomyodes, 369
Hyalurgus, 367
Hybos, 224
Hydrellia, 308
Hydrina, 308
Hydromyza, 330
Hydrophoria, 334
Hydrophorus, 234
Hydrotaea. 334
Hyetodesia, 334
Hylemyia, 335
Hypantrophaga, 374
Hyperalonia, 214
Hvpertophorocera, 377
Hypocera, 238
Hypochaeta, 365
Hypocharassus, 234
Hypoderma, 347
Hypostena, 367
Hystricia, 377
Hystrisiphona, 354

Icterica, 287
Idana, 276
Idioplasta, 99
Ilythea, 307
Isoglossa, 371
Isoplastus, 114
Isostomyia, 109
Iteaphila, 226

Jauetiella, 128
Janthinosoma, 109
Joannisia, 130
Joblotia, 108
Johannseniella, 116
Johnsonia, 350
Jurinella, 377
Jurinia, 377

Lamprempis, 225
L,anipria, 203
Laphria, 203
Laphystia, 199
Lasia, 185
L,asiona, 363

Lasioneura, 365
Lasiopogon, 200
Lasiops, 335
Lasioptera, 126
Lasiopteryx, 127
Lasiosoma, 136
Lastaurus, 201
Lauxania, 290
Leia, 137
Ledomyia, 130
L,epidanthrax, 215
Lepidophora, 216
Lepidoplatys, 109
Lepidoselaga, 181
Lepidostola, 252
L,epromyia, 252
LEPTiDij, 157
Leptis, 163
Leptocorypha, 232
Leptoda, 356
Leptogaster, 197
Leptouiorphus, 138
Leptomydas, 191
Leptopeza, 225
Leptopteromyia, 195
Leria, 326
Leskianiima, 365
Lestiocampa, 108
Lestodiplosis, 129
Lestomyia, 201
Lestremia, 127
Leptorethum, 232
Leptosyna, 130
Leucomelina, 334
Leucophenga, 302
Leucopis, 296
Leucostola, 235
Leucostoma, 369
Leucozona, 255
Limatus, 108
Liancalus, 234
Limnobia, 87
Limnophila, 89
Limnophora, 334
Lininospila, 336
Limosina, 316
Liogma, 90
Lipochasta, 306
Ivipoptena, 383
Linnaemyia, 373
Lispa, 336
L,ispidia, 365

39»

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Lcewiola, 129
Lonchaea, 290
Lonchoptera, 240

IvONCHOPTKRID^E, 240

Longurio, 91
Lophoteles, 172

Lordotus, 216
Loxocera, 268
Lycastrirhyncha, 266
Lyperosa, 342
L\ togaster, 308
Lucilia, 343
I/Utzia, 108

M
Machimus, 204
Macquartia, 367
Macrocera, 136
Macrodiplosis, 129
Macrolabis, 127
Macromeigenia, 373
Macrometopa, 256
Macrosargus, 169
Mallophora, 203
Mallota, 258
Maiicia, 214
Manota, 135
Man son ia, 107
Masicera, 375
Masistylum, 377
Massalongia, 128
Mauromyia, 363
Maytiola, 128
Medeterus, 213
Medina, 365
Megamerina, 268
Meganietapon, 256
Megaparia, 355
Mtgapoda, 202
M cgaprosoptis, 355
Megarhinus, 107
M.-erlea, 355
Meghyperus, 224
Mc-gistocera, 91
Mcgistopoda,
Megophthalma, 330
Meigenia, 363
Mei^eniella, 363
Melaleuca, 356
Melanodezia, 355
Mclanophora, 355
Melanophyra, 373

Melanostonia, 254
Melieria, 276
Melophagus,
Merapioidus, 259
Meriana, 377
Merodon, 258
Meromacrus, 256
Mcioinyza, 313
Merosargus, 169
Mesembrina, 243
Mcseinbrinella, 342
Mesochseta, 367
Mesorhaga, 232
Mesogranima, 255
Metacosmus, 217
Metachaeta, 375
Metachela, 223
Metadexia, 356
Metadoris, 377
Metapbragma, 207
Metaphyto, 374
Metaplagia, 372
Metapogon, 200, 201
Metatrichia, 209
Metopia, 376
Me topi na, 238
Metriocnenius, 115
Miaster, 126
Alicr cedes, 109
Miehrochaitina, 355
Microchysa, 169
Microdon, 252
Microdira, 377
Microdrumia, 223
Micromyia, 127, 130
Micropcza, 266
MiCROPKzin/i-;, 264
Microphorus, 225
Microphthalmia,
Microprosopa, 330
Microsinia, 225
Microstylnni, 198
Mikiola, 128
Milcsia, 256
Milichia, 295
Milichiella, 295
MiltogramniR, 375
Mis<,romyia, 387
Mixogaster, 252
Mochlonyx, 107
Mochlosoina, 354
Mochlostyrax, 109

INDEX.

Monardia, 130

Monarthropalpus, 128
Mongoina, 89
Molophilis, 88
Molynocoelia, 286
MorelHa.343
-Monma, 357

Morphomyia, 356
Mosillus, 307
Musca, 343
MusciD/S, 337
Muscina, 343
Muscopteryx, 375
Mutiloptera, 387
Mycetobia, 136
Mycetaulus, 270
Mycetophila, 137
MvcuToPHiun.^, r,j
Mycodiplosis, 128
Mycothera, 139
Myelaphus, 199
Myennis, 277
Mydaea, 334
Mydaid^j, 190
Mydas, 191
Myocera, 354
Myiochrvsa, 169
Myolepta, 253 '
Myominia, 354
•Myospila, 343
Myothiria, 369
Myopharus, 369
Myophasia, 363
Myoscotiptera, ?za
Myopa, 263 ' 354

Myrniecomyia, 21*
Mystacella, 377
Mystacomyia, 373
Mythicomvia, 218
Myxosargus, 170
Mysomyia, 108

N
Naeria, 365
JNaponiyza, 294
Nausigaster, 252
Nebritus, 207

Nematoproctus, 214
Nemopoda, 270
Nemoraea, 373
NSMSSTRlNin^, 186
Neoascia, 254

399

Neoaspilota, 287
Neochauna, 172
Neocota, 225
Neoculex, 109
Neoempheria, 136
Neoexaireta, 168
Neofischeria, 380

Neoglaphyroptera, 127
Neodiotypa, 179 °
Neoitamus, 204
Neophyto, 379
Neoplasta, 223
Neorondania, 170
Neotractocera, 277
Nephroceles, 24Y
Nerius, 266

Neurigona, 234

Neuroctona, 323

Nicocles, 201

Nostiina, 308

Nothra, 185

Nothomyia, 169

Nothosympvcnus, 25c
Notiphila, 307 65

Notogramma, 278
Nototricha, 108
-rVusa, 203
Nycteribia, 386
Nvcteribiid^, 386

O

Occemyia, 263
Ochthera, 308
Ochtheroidea, 30S
Ochthiphila, 296
Ocnasa, 185

Ocydromia, 225

Ocyptamus, 254

Ocyptera, 372

Octodiplosis, 12S

Odinia, 296

Odontomyia, 170

Odontonyx, 139

Odontopoda, 13S

(Ecu eta, 116
CEcothea, 326
CEdalia, 224
CEdamagena, 347
CRdaspis, 286
CEdicarena, 286
Cgjimapeza, 379

(-Grdopa, 277
QJstrophasia,

369

400

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTKRA.

(Estrus, 347
Olbiogaster, 156
Olt'ersia,
Oligarces, 130
Oligotrophies, 128
Omniatius, 203
Omomyia, 317
Oucodes, 185
Oucodocera, 216
Onesia, 350

Ophthalmomyia, 295, 390
Opsebius, 185
Odsidia, 376
Opsiotnyia, 330
Oreogetou, 225
Oreothalia, 224
Orimarga, 88
Ornithoctena, 383
Ornithodes, 90
Ornithoica, 383
Ornithomyia, 383
Ornithopertha, 383
Orphnephila, 154
Orphnkphilid^;, 153
Ortalidid^, 271
Orthochaeta, 330
Orthocladius, 115
OsciNiDi^, 310
Oscinia, 312
Ospriocerus, 198
Ostracoccelia, 275
Oxycera, 171
Ozodiceromyia, 207

P

Pachycerina, 290
Pachygaster, 172
Pachymeria, 226
Pachyophthahnus, 372
Palloptera; 290
Pachyrhina, 91
Palpomyia, 116
Paltostoma, 151
Panacris, 172
Paneryma, 279
Pangonia, 180
Pantarbes, 215
Pantophthalmus, 175
Panzeria, 373
Parabombylius, 215
Paracheeta. 374
Paraclius, 233
Paracosmus, 217

Paradejeania, 377
Paradidynia, 375
Parodima, 296
Paradyschiria,
Paradmontia, 363
Parafischeria, 380
Paragaedia, 377
Paragus, 252
Paragorgopis, 277
Parahypochaeta, 377
Paralimna, 308
Paralleloma, 329
Paramesochaeta, 373
Paramiiitho, 350
Pa ram via, 294
Paranophora, 379
Paraphvto, 374
Parapla'gia, 372
Paraprosena, 357
Paratissa, 367
Parasy mormon, 235
Parathalassina, 224
Paratropesa, 819
Parephydra, 307
Parepalpus, 376
Parexorista, 379
Parydra, 309
Parcedopa, 277
Peckia, 350
Pedicel la, 172
Pedicia,;9o
Pegomyia, 335
Pelagomyia, 171
Pelastoneurus, 232
Pelatachina, 367
Pelateria, 377
Pelecocera, 252
Pelina, 308
Pelomyia, 295, 307
Pelorempis, 107
Peloropeodes, 233
Pentacricea. 336
Penthoptera, 90
Penthosia, 373
Peratochsetus, 298, 330
Pericoma, 93
Pero, 130
Peromyia, 130
Peronyma, 286
Perrisia, 127
Peteina, 377
Phalacrocera, 90

INDEX.

401

Phalacromyia, 257
Phaonia, 334
Phasioclysta, 379

Phasiops, 356

Pheneus, 163

Phlebotomus, 93

Philonicus, 204

Philopota, 185

Philorus, 151

Phoneutisca, 223

Phoniomyia, 108

Phora, 238

Phorantha, 361

Phorbia, 336

Phorichaeta, 375

Phorid^, 236

Phormia, 343

Phorocera, 374

Phorostoma, 355

Phortica, 301

Phronia, 138

Phthinia, 138

Phthiria, 216

Phvcodromid^, 317

Phylarchus, 234

Phyllogaster, 336

Phyllolabis, 89

Phyllomyza, 296

Phylomidas, 191

Phylygra, 308

Phyra, 334

Physocephala, 263

Physogenua, 290
Phyto, 363

Phytomyza, 294
Pialeoidea, 185
Piophila, 270
Piophiud^, 269
Pipiza, 252
Pipuncuud^e;, 244
Pipunculus, 245
Pityocera, 180
Plagia, 371
Plagiotnima, 371
Plagioneura, 232
Plagiotoma, 286
Plagiprosphervsa, 372
Plastophora, 238
Platophrymyia, 295
Platychirus, 254
Platycnema, 243
Platymochaetus, 257

Platypalpus, 222
Platypeza, 245
Plaxypezid^, 241
Platystoma, 275
Platyura, 137
Plecia, 142
Plectops, 365
Plectromyia, 90
Plesiastina, 137
Plesiomma, 200
Plethochaeta, 330
Ploas, 216
Pneumaculex, 108
Pocota, 259
Pogonomyia, 334
Pogonosoma, 202
Pogonota, 330
Polidea, 367
Polinota, 283
Pollenia, 342
Porphyrops, 235
Porsenus, 390
Polyangaeus, 90
Polydojitomyia, 258
Polygaster, 367
Polylepta, 136
Polymedon, 233
Polymera, 88
Polymorphomyia, 286
Polystepha, 128
Priomerus, 256
Prionellus, 130
Probezzia, 116
Probolseus, 135
Procladius, 113
Prochyliza, 270
Proctacanthus, 203
Prodiamesa, 114
Prolepsis, 199
Promachus, 203
Promeranisa, 170
Prorates, 224
Prorhynchops, 354
Prosalpia, 336
Prosena, 354
Prosenoides, 354
Prospherysa, 375
Protanypus, 113
Protenthes, 387
Protocalliphora, 343
Protoculex, 109
Psairoptera, 277

4-02

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Psectrocladius, 115
Pselaphila, 329
Pseudapinops, 365
Pseudiastata, 390
Pseudochseta, 374
Pseudocutex, 109
Pseudodexia, 357
Pseudodinia, 296
Pseuilolfersia, 383
Pseudoniorina, 357
Pseudopyrellia, 343
Pseudorus, 202
Pseudotephritis, 277
Pseudotrichia, 209
Pseudotractocera, 373
Psila, 268
Psilid^, 267
Psilocephala, 207
Psilocurus, 199
Psilopa, 307
Psilopodinus, 222
Psilopus, 232
Psilotanypus, 113
Psilota, 253
Psorophora, 108
Psychoda, 93

PSYCHODID^E, 92

Ptecticiis, 169
Pterallastes, 257
Pterellipsis, 385
Pterocella, 277
Pterodontia, 185
Ptilodexia, 356
Ptilodegeeria, 367
l'tiloniyia, 307
Ptiolina, 163
Ptycboptera, 91
Pulicipbora, 238
Putoniella, 128
Pycnoglossa, 330
Pycnopogon, 200
Pyrellia, 343
Pyrgota, 274
P.vritis, 357
PyroplniMia, 253

R

Racodineura, 368
Rim bdopselaph us, 217
Rhachicerus, 162
Rhadiurgus, 204
Rbagoletis, 286

Rhamphidia, 87
Rhamphinina, 357

Rhainphomyia, 225
Rhaphiocera, 169
Rhaphidolabis, 90
Rbapbiomidas, 188
Rhaphirhynchus, 174
Rhaphium, 235
Rhombothyria, 357
Rhopalomera, 281
Rhopalomerid^, 280
Rhopaloniyia, 128
Rhopalosyrphus, 252
Rbicnoiissa, 296
Rhingia, 256
Rhingiopsis, 179
Rhinophora, 363, 379
Rbinotora, 281
Rhipidia, 87
Rhymosia, 139
Rhynchocephalus, 186
Rhyncbodexia, 354
Rbynchosciara, 139
Rhyphid/'S, 155
Rbypbus, 155
Rbypbolopbus, 88
Rbysops, 253
Ricbardia, 279
Rileymvia, 378
Rivellia, 275
Roederiodes, 223
Ruebsaamenia, 129
Runcboniyia, 108

S
Sabetbes, 108
Salpingogaster, 254
Saproniyza, 290
Sapromyzid^, 288
Sarcionus, 232
Sarcoclista, 363
Sarcomacronycbia, 380
Sarcopbaga, 351
Sakcophagid/E, 348
Sarcopbagida, 351
Sarcopbilodes, 350
Sanliocera, 356
Sargus, 169
Saropogon, 201
Sayomyia, 107
Scaeva, 255
Scatella, 309

INDEX.

403

SCATOMYZID^S, 327

Scatophaga, 329

SCATOPHAGIES, 327

Scatopse, 143

Scellus, 234

SCENOPINID^, 208

Scenopinus, 209
Schizomyza, 128
Schizotachina, 375
Schcenomyza, 336
Sciara, 139
Sciasma, 369
Sciomyza, 323
Sciomyzid.E, 321
Scion e, 180
Sciophila, 136
Scleropogon, 198
Scoliocentra, 325
Scoliopelta, 171
Scotiptera, 354
Senobasis, 201
Senogaster, 258
Senoprosopis, 204
Senotainia, 373
Seoptera, 278
Sepedon, 323
Sericomyia, 257
Serromyia, 116
Sepsid/E, 269
Sepsis, 270
Sepsisoma, 278
Sicus, 263
Sigaloessa, 302, 312
Sigmatomera, 88
Siligo, 390
Silvius, 180
Simuuid^E, 144
Simulium, 147
Siphona, 371
Siphonella, 312
Siphoplagia, 371
Siphosturmia, 373
Snowiellus, 181
Somomyia, 343
Spallanzania, 376
Spania, 163
Spaniocera, 125
Sparnopolius, 216
Spathiophora, 330
Sphaerina, 367
Sphaerocera, 316
Sphseromyas, 116

•

Sphaerophoria, 255
Sphageus, 198
Sphecomyia, 259
Sphegina, 254
Sphenoidoptera, 216
Sphyracephala, 314
Sphyximorpha, 252
Spilochroa, 298, 320
Spilogaster, 334
Spilographa, 286
Spilomyia, 259
Spogostylum , 214
Spyridopa, 172
Stegana, 301
Stegomyia, 108
Steneretma, 279
Stenodexia, 356
Stenodiplosis, 129
Stenomacra, 279
Stenomicra, 302
Stenomyia, 278
Stenopa, 286
Stenopogon, 188
Stenopterina, 275
Stenoxenus, 113
Stevenia, 377
Stibasoma, 181
Stichopogon, 200
Stictomyia, 277
Stilbometopa,
Stilpnogaster, 204
Stilpon, 223
Stomoxys, 342
Stratiomyia, 170
Stratiomyid^e, 164
Straussia, 286
Strebla, 385
Strebud^E, 384
Stomatodexia, 355, 380
Strobliella, 127
Stygeropis, 91
Stylogaster, 263
Sycorax, 93

Symballophthalmus, 222
Symphoromyia, 163
Sympycnus, 235
Syndyas, 224
Syneches, 224
SyneuraL238
Sy«thesiomyia, 342
Syntemna, 138
Syntormon, 236

4°4

NORTH AMERICAN DIPTERA.

Syritta, 255

SVRPHID/fi, 246

Syrphus, 255
Systoechus, 215

Systropus, 217

Tabanus, 181
TABANlDiE, 176
Tabuda, 207
Tacbina, 375
Tachinid^, 358
Tachinomyia, 378
Tacbinopsis, 375
Tacbydromia, 223
Tachypeza, 222
Tachytrechus, 233
Tseniorhynchus, 108
Tanpezi'd^, 264
Tanypremna, 91
Tanypus, 114
Tanytarsus, 115
Taracticus, 201
Tauromyia, 298
Telmatogeton, 114
Telostylus, 266
Telothyria, 371
Temnostoma, 259
Tephritis, 287
Tephrochlamys, 325
Tcphronota, 276
Tersesthes, 115
Tetanocera, 323
Tetanops, 276
TetrachiEta, 336
Tetragoneura, 136
Tetragrapha, 377
Tetropismenus, 276
Teuchocneuiis, 258
Teucholabis, 88
Teuchophorus, 235
Toreus, 226
Townsendia, 198
Toxomerus, 255
Toxorhina, 87
Toxophora, 217
Toxotrypana, 283
Thahissomyia, 114
Thecodiplosis, 129
Thecomyia, 323
Thelaira, 357
Thelairodes, 356

Themira, 270
Theresia, 357
Thereva, 207
Therevid^, 205
Theria, 351
Therioplectes, 181
Thinodromia, 223
Thinophilus, 235
Thrypticus, 233
Thryptocera, 365
Thysanomyia, 375
Tinolestes, 109
Tipula, 91
Tipulid^E, 81
Tragi n ops, 296
Trichina, 225
Trichobius, 385
Trichocera, 89
Trichocladius, 115
Trichogena, 376
Trichomyia, 93
Trichonta, 138
Tricophora, 377
Trichophthicus, 334
Trichopoda, 361
Trichopteromyia, 127
Trichosia, 139
Trichotanypus, 114
Triclis, 199
Tricolyga, 377
Tricopalpus, 330
Trigonometopus, 323, 321
Trimicra, 89
Trineura, 238
Triodonta, 258
Triognia, 90
Triptotricha, 163
Tritoxa, 276
Tritozyga, 127
Trixa, 363
Trixodes, 355
Trochilides, 375
Tromodexia, 355
Tropidia, 257
Tropidoniyia, 262
Tropidopsis, 377
Trypeta, 286
Trvpktid^;, 282
Triplasius, 215
Tylotnyia, 270
Tvreomtna, 342

INDEX.

4A5

U

Ula. 90
Ulidia, 278
Ulomorpha, 89
Uramyia, 356
Uranotaenia, 107
Ureliia, 287

V

Vanderwulpia, 369, 374
Verrallia, 245
Volucella, 256

W

Wastnaniella, 130
Willistoniella, 281
Willistonina, 389
Winnertzia, 126
Wintheinia, 375
Wyeomyia, 108

X

Xanionotum, 239

Xanthracrona,277
Xanthandrus, 254
Xanthina, 234
Xanthochlorus, 234
Xanthodexia, 357
Xanthogramma, 255
Xanthomelana, 369
Xanthomelanodes, 379
Xenochseta, 287
Xiphura, 91
Xylodiplosis, 129
Xylorayia, 162
Xylophagus, 162
Xylota, 258

Zabrachia, 172
Zagonia, 298
Zacompsia, 278
Zodion, 263
Zygomyia, 138
Zygoneura, 139

QL Williston, Samuel Wendell

535 Manual of North American
.1 Diptera. 3d ed.

V72

1908
fjiologi
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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY

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