Chapter II: Part 2

Their food consists of bread crumbs and scraps of meat and vegetables which have been allowed to accumulate during the daytime. The best way, therefore, to get rid of the insects is to take proper care in clearing away all the refuse after meals, for if this were not there the crickets could not subsist, and would soon quit the house. They are, however, generally objected to only by weak-nerved people, and do very little harm, if any whatever. It is a question whether they are not very useful in acting as scavengers.

A nearly allied British species is the Field Cricket (_Acheta campestris_), which is rather larger than the house cricket. It is comparatively rare and local in this country, but abounds everywhere on the Continent.

A third British species is the Wood Cricket (_Nemolicus sylvestris_), which is considerably rarer than either of the preceding. It is found abundantly among dead leaves in woods in France and other parts of the Continent, but is very rarely found in England.

The Mole Cricket (_Gryllotalpa vulgaris_) is perhaps the most interesting member of the family. It is a large, robust insect, about an inch and a half in length and of a very dark brown colour. It is remarkable for the peculiar shape of its front legs, which exactly resemble those of the mole.

It burrows in loose soil, and, like the mole, it passes along close beneath the surface of the ground, and often raises a small ridge as it advances. It frequents gardens, especially near the banks of canals, and is also fond of damp meadows and other localities in the vicinity of water.

The eggs to the number of 200 or 300, are deposited in a chamber of considerable dimensions, and enclosed in a sort of cocoon-like envelope.

The _larvæ_ when first hatched are white, and are said to be three years in arriving at a state of maturity. The mole cricket is found chiefly in the south of England.

_Family 5, Gryllidæ._--The most conspicuous insect belonging to this family in Britain is known as the great Green Grasshopper (_Phasgonura viridissima_), which measures nearly four inches in expanse of the wing, and is therefore nearly as large as the migratory locust which sometimes visits us.

The great green grasshopper is not, however, a very common insect in this country, being principally confined to the south of the island.

Another European and British species, _Decticus verrucivorus_, is of about the same length. It receives its name from the custom prevailing among the Swedish peasants of making it bite their warts. This insect, in common with many others of the same family, when at all roughly handled, emits from the mouth a brownish fluid, which is said to possess acrid qualities, and the introduction of this into the warts is supposed to cause their disappearance.

_Family 6, Locustidæ._--This family, which includes the grasshoppers and true locusts, is easily distinguished from both the preceding families by the character of the antennæ, which are comparatively short.

The common English Grasshopper (_Rhammatocerus biguttulus_), whose song must be familiar to every one who has walked through the fields during the summer time, is produced by the friction of the hinder thighs against the wing-cases.

The locusts have been celebrated from the dawn of history on account of the terrible ravages which they have committed in various parts of the world; and although many different species have made their appearance in our own country at various times, the climate, fortunately, seems unsuitable for them to live in, and they have, therefore, not been known to breed here.

The Migratory Locust (_Ædipoda migratoria_) is perhaps the best known in this country on account of its visits, many stray individuals of which have visited us at different periods.

Locusts are known all the world over, in fact, nearly every country has a species peculiar to itself. The most extraordinary accounts are on record of the vastness of the swarms which every now and again invade particular districts. They are said sometimes to absolutely darken the sun.

They clear off everything from the surface of the ground as completely as if the place had been visited by fire.

In many eastern countries locusts are relished as articles of food.

The distinctive character of the insects comprised in this group is found in the structure of the wings. The anterior pair are of a horny or leathery consistence, but always much shorter than the abdomen. The hind wings, on the contrary, are of large size, and are composed of a very delicate membrane. There is only one family.

TRIBE III.--EUPLEXOPTERA.

_Family 7, Forficulidæ._--The insects of this family present a great uniformity of structure. They are, for the most part, of nocturnal habits, concealing themselves during the day in crevices under the bark of trees, or in the ground under stones and leaves, etc.

Their food consists almost exclusively of vegetable substances, and are sometimes very injurious to flowers and fruit.

It has been said, however, that they also feed largely on plant lice or aphides, which, if true, give them a very redeeming quality.

The female earwig deposits her eggs under a stone in some cavity in the ground often dug out by her own labour.

Unlike most other insects, the female does not perish as soon as she has laid her eggs, but lives to behold her offspring, brooding over them almost like a hen. But it is distressing to learn that if the mother should die she is immediately devoured by her progeny.

The _Euplexoptera_ are widely distributed over the surface of the earth. The tropical regions, however, can hardly claim any great predominance over more temperate climates as regards either the number or size of the species.

The largest European species (_Forficesita gigantea_), which is an inhabitant of some parts of England, measures about an inch in length of the body.

Our common Earwig (_Forficula auricularia_) is not only found all over Europe, but apparently throughout the greater part of the eastern hemisphere.

Another British species, viz., the little Earwig (_Labia minor_), is also of wide distribution.

The earwig derives its name from its occasionally creeping into the human ear in search of concealment. This has been denied by many authors, but we have personally known instances of earwigs entering the ears of persons lying asleep in fields in the summer time. The insect can be driven out immediately by pouring a little oil into the ear.

Some writers have attempted to prove that the name earwig is a corruption of "earwing," in allusion to the shape of the hind wings; really a very ingenious idea, but incorrect nevertheless.

ORDER HEMIPTERA.

INCLUDING THE LAND BUGS, WATER BUGS, PLANT BUGS, SKATERS, LANTERN FLIES, FROG HOPPERS, APHIDES, AND THEIR ALLIES.

The _Hempitera_ are _Haustellate_ insects; they have four wings, which are membranous and naked. Their metamorphosis is incomplete. The order is a very extensive one. The insects, however, are mostly found in the tropical parts of the world, from whence nearly twenty thousand species have been described. In the British Isles their number reaches nearly a thousand.

The study of the _Hemiptera_ has hitherto been sadly neglected, owing to the great majority of them being very small species.

They include the Plant Bugs, Sand Bugs, Water Bugs, Cuckoo Spits, Froghoppers, Plant Lice, and many other familiar forms. The three great divisions into which they are divided are treated by many entomologists as distinct orders. The following will show under each heading the principal distinguishing character of each group or sub-order as we shall designate them.

_Sub-Order 1, Heteroptera._--Fore wings of a parchment like consistency.

_Sub-Order 2, Homoptera._--Fore wings membranous and naked, similar to the hind ones.

_Sub-Order 3, Anaplura._--Wingless; no metamorphosis.

The _Heteroptera_ are regarded as the highest of the three groups, followed by the _Homoptera_, while the _Anoplura_ constitute a somewhat aberrant series, and are somewhat in the same position as the fleas (_Aphaniptera_) are to the true _Diptera_.

TABULAR VIEW

OF THE

PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF THE HEMIPTERA.

_Sub-Order 1.--Heteroptera._

TRIBE I.--GEOCORES OR LAND BUGS.

Family 1. Scutelleridæ or Shield Bugs.
Family 2. Coreidæ or Land Bugs.
Family 3. Lygæidæ or Chinch Bugs.
Family 4. Pyrrhocoridæ or Plant Bugs.
Family 5. Capsidæ or Sap Bugs.
Family 6. Tingididæ or Tree Bugs.
Family 7. Cimicidæ or Bed Bugs.
Family 8. Reduviidæ or Pirate Bugs.
Family 9. Emesidæ or Wolf Bugs.

TRIBE II.--HYDROCORES OR WATER BUGS.

Family 10. Saldidæ or Water Jumpers.
Family 11. Hydrometridæ or Skaters.
Family 12. Gerridæ or Ocean Bugs.
Family 13. Galgulidæ or Shark Bugs.
Family 14. Nepidæ or Water Scorpions.
Family 15. Notonectidæ or Water Boatmen.

_Sub-Order 2.--Homoptera._

Family 1. Cicadidæ or Cicadas Flies.
Family 2. Fulgoridæ or Lantern Flies.
Family 3. Membracidæ or Horn Flies.
Family 4. Cercopidæ or Froghoppers.
Family 5. Tettigonidæ or Meadow Lice.
Family 6. Ledridæ or Oak Lice.
Family 7. Jassidæ or Elegant Lice.
Family 8. Psyllidæ or Plant Lice.
Family 9. Aphidæ or Aphides.
Family 10. Aleyrodidæ or Powder Flies.
Family 11. Coccidæ or Scale Insects.

_Sub-Order 3.--Anoplura._

Family 1. Pediculidæ or True Lice.

SUB-ORDER I.--HETEROPTERA.

The _Heteroptera_ constitute the first sub-order of the _Hemiptera_. They include the True Bugs, an extensive group of very varied structure and habits. The greater part of the terrestrial species feed on plants, though some feed on the blood of animals, while the aquatic species are principally carnivorous in their habits. This sub-order is divided into two tribes.

TRIBE I.--GEOCORES OR LAND BUGS.

This tribe includes the terrestrial species of bugs. It is subdivided into fifteen families.

_Family 1, Scutelleridæ._--This extensive family includes the greater portion of the largest and handsomest species of the Land Bugs.

The insects live upon plants, trees, and shrubs, and feed upon the juices, which they suck out of the soft tissues, many of them especially attacking juicy fruits. The family is very well represented in the warmer parts of the world, where also the most beautifully coloured species are met with.

One of the most handsome representatives in Europe is _Graphosoma lineatum_, which measures nearly half an inch in length. It is reddish in colour and is common on flowers, especially those of the _Umbelliferæ_, but is not met with in our own country.

_Edessa cervus_ is a native of South America, and another pretty species.

The most familiar British species is what is commonly known as the Colewort Bug (_Strachia oleracea_), a very pretty insect, which lives on cruciferous plants, and is said sometimes to be injurious in gardens.

Some of the Chinese Bugs belonging to the genus _Tesseratoma_ are the largest species known.

_Family 2, Coreidæ._--This family contains a great number of plant-feeding native and exotic species, varying considerably in shape and structure. The majority of European species are, however, of small size in comparison to those found in tropical parts of the world.

The insects of this family are rarely adorned with bright colours, different shades of brown being the prevailing tints, although a few of them are gaily adorned.

In their general habits they much resemble the Shield Bugs.

Two British species are _Syromastes marginatus_ and _Verlusia rhombea_.

_Family 3, Lygæidæ._--The members of this family are, on the whole, much smaller than the _Coreidæ_, some of the smallest forms of which many of them resemble.

These insects are generally of a red colour, with black bands and spots.

Several species are very injurious to cultivated plants. One of the most destructive of all is _Blissus leucopterus_, a black insect with white fore wings, each of which is marked with a large black triangular spot on the outer edge. It measures about an eighth of an inch in length. The young larva is red. In the United States this insect, which abounds to a considerable extent, is called the "Chinch Bug."

_Family 4, Pyrrhocoridæ._--This family of bugs abounds in all parts of the world, and in Europe and Britain is undoubtedly the most numerously represented of all the families of bugs. A very common species in this country found on nettles is _Phytocoris tripustulatus_, which is about one-sixth of an inch in length, and generally yellowish in colour.

_Family 5, Capsidæ._--This family contains a great number of small species of variegated colours, which feed exclusively on the sap of plants or the juice of fruits.

A rather small species (_Capsus ater_) is common upon herbage. The male is entirely black; in the female the head and thorax are reddish. The genus _Miris_ and its allies include elongated species, which are found chiefly in grassy places.

_Family 6, Tingididæ._--The species of this family differ considerably among themselves in size, structure, and habits; and although the majority of them are carnivorous, others, especially among the smaller species, are herbivorous. One species (_Tingis pyri_), found in our own country, is sometimes very injurious to pear trees.

_Family 7, Cimicidæ._--The type of this family is the common Bed Bug (_Acanthia lectularia_), which is only too well known to most people. Although treated as a British insect, it does not always appear to have been an inhabitant of these islands, but to have made its way here about the beginning of the sixteenth century. Three other British species have been described as inhabiting the dwelling-places of certain animals and sucking their blood. _A. columbaria_ attacks pigeons. _A. hirundinis_ is found in swallows' nests, and _A. pipistrelli_ feeds on bats.

_Family 8, Reduviidæ._--All the insects of this family are predaceous in their habits, and are exceedingly numerous in tropical climates. The largest British species is _Reduvius personatus_, an insect about three-quarters of an inch long, of a blackish-brown colour with reddish legs. It is well furnished with wings, and flies especially in warm summer evenings, when it frequently enters houses, being attracted by the lights. This insect is said to be a great enemy to the bed bug.

Some of the foreign species of _Reduviidæ_ are most formidable insects, such as the great black _Conorrhinus renggeri_ of Chili, which often attacks travellers when camping out.

_Family 9, Emesidæ._--Most of these insects are carnivorous in their habits. The best known species of this family is probably _Plæaria vagabunda_, a brown, delicately-formed insect, which inhabits trees.

TRIBE II.--HYDROCORES OR WATER BUGS.

All the insects belonging to this tribe are either water insects, or found only in the immediate neighbourhood of water. It contains the remaining families of the _Heteroptera_, six in number.

_Family 10, Saldidæ._--The majority of species belonging to this family are small, dull-coloured insects, always found in the neighbourhood, though they are not strictly aquatic.

_Family 11, Hydrometridæ._--The habits of most of these insects are herbivorous, and they are all found near water.

_Hydrometra stagnorum_ is a black or brown insect, more or less tinged with reddish, and about half an inch long. It is found running on the surface of water, or else on the banks or among water plants, but is not so active as some of the other species.

_Family 12, Gerridæ._--This family includes some very familiar insects, which may be seen running over the surface of every piece of water. These insects, of which several species are abundant in Britain, have boat-shaped bodies. The typical form is _Gerris lacustris_, which may be met with almost anywhere. They are predaceous in their habits, feeding upon other insects. Some nearly allied, but mostly very small species, with legs even longer in proportion than those of our common forms, are met with at sea within the tropics, and often at a great distance from land.

_Family 13, Galgulidæ._--This family only includes a few American species, which are generally brown spotted with yellow. _Galgulus oculatus_ inhabits the southern part of the United States, and measures about two-fifths of an inch in length.

_Family 14, Nepidæ._--The species of this family are not very numerous, but are of considerable interest. They are of large size, and very fierce and voracious. The genus _Betostoma_, found in the East Indies and America, includes the largest species of _Heteroptera_, some of which measure four and a half inches in length, and nearly six inches in expanse of the wing. Their food consists of small fish, frogs, etc.

The best-known species in our own country is the Water Scorpion (_Nepa cinerea_), which has the power of inflicting a very painful wound if handled. It measures about an inch in length. In colour it is yellowish-grey, the back of the abdomen being red, and its large front legs, which somewhat resemble the claws of a scorpion, have given rise to the name by which it is popularly known. It is very common in stagnant water.

_Family 15, Notonectidæ._--These insects are commonly known as "Water Boatmen," from their habit of rowing themselves about on their backs with their long hind legs. They are carnivorous, feeding on small insects and other "fry."

The most typical British species is _Notonecta glauca_, a yellowish insect about half an inch long. It is a most predaceous insect, and can bite severely.

Another common species inhabiting our own country is _Coriax Geoffroyi_, which is nearly half an inch long. The _Notonectidæ_ are all very powerful and active creatures.

SUB-ORDER II.--HOMOPTERA.

This extensive sub-order includes the Cicadas, Lantern Flies, Plant Lice, Scale Insects, etc.

As already pointed out, the most striking general character of this group consists in the uniform texture of the forewings.

There are eleven families included in the _Homoptera_, all the species belonging to which feed upon vegetable juices.

_Family 1, Cicadidæ._--These insects are mostly inhabitants of warm climates, and our only British representative of the family (_C. anglica_) is one of the smaller species, the wings only expanding about an inch and a quarter. Four or five hundred species, however, are known to inhabit the world, and some of them attain to considerable dimensions.

They generally live upon trees and shrubs, and obtain their nourishment by piercing the tissues and sucking out the juices of their young tender shoots.

The _Cicadas_ are improperly called "Locusts" both in America and Australia, on account of the chirping noise which they perpetually keep up in the woods, both day and night.

_Family 2, Fugloridæ._--This family includes the Lantern Flies and Candle Flies, which are remarkable for their large size, bright colours, and strange forms. They are almost all exotic insects.

The largest species is found in South America, and is called the Great Lantern Fly (_Fulgora laternaria_), measuring nearly three inches in length, and over four inches in expanse of the wings.

The Chinese Lantern Fly (_Fulgora candelaria_) has a red body, the fore wings being greenish with yellow spots, the hind wings orange colour with black tips.

_Cixius nervosus_ is found in the British Isles, chiefly on alders. It measures about a quarter of an inch in length, and in colour is black with yellow legs, and transparent wings dotted with brown.

_Family 3, Membracidæ._--This family is chiefly remarkable for the fantastic shapes assumed by the prothorax.

Most of the species are inhabitants of America, where they occur in wonderful abundance and variety.

A common species, _Centrotus cornutus_, is found in the British Isles and over the greater part of Europe. It is rather over a quarter of an inch long, black, with a pair of upright horns on the prothorax.

Another common European and British species (_Gargara genistæ_) is smaller than the preceding, and has no horns on the prothorax.

_Family 4, Cercopidæ._--The "Froghoppers" and "Cuckoo-spits" belong to this family. They are chiefly small insects found among grass and bushes in the summer.

A very common species in this country is the common Cuckoo-spit (_Aphrophora spumaria_), which is about a quarter of an inch in length, and of a yellowish-grey colour. This insect can make a prodigious leap in proportion to its size. It is said to sometimes spring to a distance of two yards. Its yellow _larvæ_ may often be seen on grass and low plants enveloped in a mass of froth, which has given rise to the name of "Cuckoo-spit."

_Family 5, Tettigonidæ._--These insects are exceedingly numerous, and are often remarkably elegant in form. They are mostly inhabitants of America, where some three or four hundred species have been described, but in England we have an exceedingly pretty species (_Tettigonia viridis_), which is common in damp meadows.

_Family 6, Ledridæ._--Many of the insects belonging to this family resemble beetles somewhat in appearance. _Ledra aurita_, which may be considered the type of the family, is a greenish insect, about three-quarters of an inch in length, and found on oak trees.

_Family 7, Jassidæ._--This family contains a considerable number of small insects, some of them of great beauty and elegant in appearance. The typical genus is _Jassus_.

_Family 8, Psyllidæ._--This is the first family of the so-called "Plant Lice" or "Blight." They resemble the "Froghoppers" in their habits of jumping. Most of them are small insects, and they subsist on the sap of plants, to which they are sometimes injurious. A few species produce galls.

_Livia pyri_ is a reddish insect, abundant on pear trees. Other common species are found on the alder, ash, oak, and nettle.

_Family 9, Aphidæ._--The _Aphidæ_, or "Plant Lice," "Blight," and "Green Fly," as they are variously called, are amongst the most destructive of insects. They are small and feeble creatures, but make up for their individual insignificance by their immense numbers.

They sometimes exist in countless millions, completely smothering the plants upon which they feed.

Migratory habits seem to be strongly developed among the _Aphidæ_, hence it is we are so suddenly visited by such enormous quantities of the insects during hot weather in the summer time.

In colour the _Aphides_ are generally green, brown, and black, according to the species. Different kinds live on different plants and trees.

The Hop Aphis (_Aphis humuli_) lives upon the hop, and its abundance or scarcity is a most important matter to the hop-growers in this country.

One of the most destructive insects of the whole family is the Vine Aphis (_Phylloxera vastatrix_), which has committed terrible ravages at various times in most of the vine-growing districts on the Continent.

The Aphides have the habit of discharging a sweet sticky substance called honeydew, of which ants are very fond.

The reproduction of the _Aphidæ_ constitutes one of the most interesting chapters in the history of the animal kingdom.

_Family 10, Aleyrodidæ._--Many of the insects of this family resemble moths in appearance. Indeed, the typical species, _Aleyrodes proletella_, a very small reddish insect, was formerly considered to be a moth by the older writers on entomology.

_Family 11, Coccidæ._--This family contains the Cochineal Insects, the Scale Insects, and their allies.

The _Coccidæ_, or Scale Insects, are sometimes very injurious to cultivated plants, but they are also useful, producing cochineal, shellac, manna, and other substances of considerable importance.

The Cochineal Insect (_Coccus cacti_) is a native of Mexico, and furnishes us with the most valuable and durable red dye that we possess, and the Lac Insect (_Coccus lacca_), an East Indian insect, produces the well-known lac-dye.

The common Scale Insect (_Coccus adonidum_) is well known in hothouses and conservatories in our own country, though it is not indigenous, having been imported from abroad.

SUB-ORDER III.--ANOPLURA.

This sub-order contains only one family, which is considered to be the last and lowest group of the _Hemiptera_, of which it may be regarded as a very degenerate form. The insects have no wings, and live upon the blood of other animals.

_Family 1, Pediculidæ._--The "Lice" are a very extensive family, but at present not very well known. Almost every mammal has a louse peculiar to itself.

Three species infest man. The Head Louse (_Pediculus capitis_), found on the head, especially in children. The Body Louse (_Pediculus vestimenti_), found in the clothes; and the Crab Louse (_Phthirius inquinalis_), a broader and shorter insect, found in the hair on the face and body of uncleanly persons.

The lice infesting different races of men differ in colour--thus, those found on niggers are black; and those on Europeans are whitish.

Other species of lice infest the dog, cat, pig, mouse, elephant, monkey, etc.

The _Pediculidæ_ undergo no metamorphoses.

ORDER DIPTERA.

INCLUDING THE GNATS, MIDGES, CRANE FLIES, HAWK FLIES, BEE FLIES, BREEZE FLIES, BOT FLIES, AND THEIR ALLIES.

The _Diptera_, or two-winged flies, are among the most numerous orders of insects, but they have been so little studied hitherto that we have but a very imperfect knowledge of them, especially as regards the tropical species.

The number recorded in the British Isles is about 3,000, that of the whole world probably exceeds 30,000, and it is certain that this number will be increased immensely as time goes on.

The _Diptera_ may be defined as insects with a sucking mouth (_Haustellate_), and with only two wings, which are membranous, while the hind wings are represented only by a pair of small knotted organs, called _halteres_. Their metamorphoses are complete.

The _larvæ_ are footless "grubs," generally with a soft body, but sometimes leathery or even nearly horny. Many of them possess a distinctly marked head, which may contain _ocelli_, but in the majority the head appears as if it were simply one of the neighbouring segments.

Their food generally consists of decayed animal and vegetable matter, and thus they are very useful as scavengers, particularly in hot climates.

The _larvæ_ frequently live in the substance upon which they feed, while others reside in water, and many are parasitic.

For the classification of the _Diptera_ we owe much to that eminent entomologist, Osten-Sacken, whose arrangement has been here generally adopted.

TABULAR VIEW

OF THE

PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF THE DIPTERA.

TRIBE I.--NEMOCERA.

Family 1. Cecidomyiidæ or Wheat Midges.
Family 2. Mycetophilidæ or Army Worms.
Family 3. Simuliidæ or Sand Flies.
Family 4. Bibionidæ or Garden Flies.
Family 5. Blephariceridæ or Blood Flies.
Family 6. Culicidæ or Gnats.
Family 7. Chironomidæ or Midges.
Family 8. Orphnephilidæ or Bread Flies.
Family 9. Psychodidæ or Fungus Midges.
Family 10. Tipulidæ or Crane Flies.
Family 11. Dixidæ or Wood Gnats.
Family 12. Rhyphidæ or Dung Midges.

TRIBE II.--BRACHYCERA.

Family 13. Xylophagidæ or Tree Flies.
Family 14. Cœnomyiidæ or Poplar Flies.
Family 15. Stratiomyiidæ or Manure Flies.
Family 16. Acanthomeridæ or Pomade Flies.
Family 17. Tabanidæ or Breeze Flies.
Family 18. Leptidæ or Fox Flies.
Family 19. Asilidæ or Hawk Flies.
Family 20. Midaidæ or Wolf Flies.
Family 21. Nemestrinidæ or Flower Flies.
Family 22. Bombyliidæ or Bee Flies.
Family 23. Therevidæ or Hairy Flies.
Family 24. Scenopinidæ or Window Flies.
Family 25. Acroceridæ or Sloth Flies.
Family 26. Empidæ or Little Hawk Flies.
Family 27. Dolichopodidæ or Fairy Flies.
Family 28. Lonchopteridæ or Water Flies.
Family 29. Syrphidæ or Dart Flies.
Family 30. Conopidæ or Wasp Flies.
Family 31. Pipunculidæ or Hedge Flies.
Family 32. Platypezidæ or Fungus Flies.
Family 33. Œstridæ or Bat Flies.
Family 34. Muscidæ or Meat Flies.

_Section 1.--Calypteræ._

Sub-family 1. Tachininæ or Parasitic Flies.
Sub-family 2. Descinæ or Rainbow Flies.
Sub-family 3. Sarcophaginæ or Screw Worms.
Sub-family 4. Muscinæ or Blow Flies.
Sub-family 5. Antromyiinæ or Summer Flies.

_Section 2.--Acalypteræ._

Sub-family 6. Scatophaginæ or Dung Flies.
Sub-family 7. Ortalinæ or Wood Flies.
Sub-family 8. Trypetinæ or Fruit Flies.
Sub-family 9. Piophilinæ or Cheese Flies.
Sub-family 10. Diopsinæ or Horn Flies.
Sub-family 11. Chloropinæ or Corn Flies.
Sub-family 12. Drosophilinæ or Mould Flies.
Sub-family 13. Agromyzinæ or Holly Flies.

Family 35. Phoridæ or Plant Flies.

TRIBE III. HOMALOPTERA.

Family 36. Hoppoboscidæ or Forest Flies.
Family 37. Nycteribidæ or Bat Lice.
Family 38. Braulidæ or Bee Lice.

TRIBE IV. APHANIPTERA.

Family 39. Pulicidæ or Fleas.

The number of families comprised in the _Diptera_ is so great that space will only permit us to deal very briefly with each.

TRIBE I.--NEMOCERA.

This tribe contains many well-known insects--namely, the Midges, Gnats, Daddy-longlegs, etc., which are divided into twelve families.

_Family 1, Cecidomyiidæ._--These are small delicate species, generally clothed with long hair. They are all vegetable feeders, some of them being very destructive to crops. The Hessian Fly (_Cecidomyia destructor_) is probably one of the best-known species, on account of the terrible mischief which it has caused in various countries, and particularly in the United States of America. Miss E. A. Ormerod, the well-known economic entomologist, has recently written a great deal concerning this insect, with the view to preventing its increase in our own country.

The Wheat Midge (_Diplosis tritici_) is another very mischievous species.

_Family 2, Mycetophilidæ._--These are generally small species. They are all vegetable feeders. The _larvæ_ live gregariously in fungi, rotten wood, bark, etc.

The Army Worms (_Sciara_) of America, which belong to this family, sometimes congregate in enormous numbers.

The flies are remarkable for their remarkable powers of leaping.

_Family 3, Simuliidæ._--This family includes only one genus, _Simulium_.

It is, however, widely distributed, and some of the species, which are popularly called Sand Flies, are exceedingly annoying in hot climates.

_Family 4, Bibionidæ._--Several species belonging to this group are very familiar insects. Among them is the St. Mark's Fly (_Bibio Marci_), which is black, with transparent wings in the male and brownish in the female.

These flies appear in the spring, and their _larvæ_ live in dung or damp earth.

Many of the species are popularly called "garden flies."

_Family 5, Blephariceridæ._--These flies have long legs, the _antennæ_ are usually long and slender, and the wings broad and long. The type of this family is _Blepharicera fasciata_, the female of which is a very blood-thirsty creature. It is a dark brown fly, with transparent wings and yellow legs, and it measures about one-third of an inch in length. It is, however, by no means abundant.

_Family 6, Culicidæ._--The _Culicidæ_, or Gnats, are a very extensive family.

The _larvæ_ are nearly all aquatic.

They are generally small, dull-coloured insects, and are often called "Mosquitoes" in the country. These insects frequently cause much annoyance during the summer months to persons engaged in out-door occupations. They are particularly abundant in damp meadows, in the vicinity of water, and also in hay-fields, where the face and hands of the mowers are sometimes blistered to much pain by the suckers of the little creatures.

One of the most troublesome species is probably the House Gnat (_Culex ciliaris_), which, thirsting for its evening meal, often enters our apartments, sounding its approach by a tolerably loud humming.

_Culex annulatus_ is a little larger, and is said to produce a greater amount of irritation by its bite.

_Family 7, Chironomidæ._--These insects are small delicate insects, much resembling gnats in appearance, and are popularly called "Midges." The _larvæ_ of most of the species are aquatic.

The _larva_ of _Chironomus plumosus_, which is common in stagnant water, is called the "blood worm" from its bright red colour.

_Family 8, Orphnephilidæ._--Most of the species belonging to this family are of small size.

The typical species is _Orphnephelia testacea_, measuring scarcely one-tenth of an inch in length, and is sometimes found in bakehouses. It is of a rusty-yellow colour.

_Family 9, Psychodidæ._--This is a small family consisting of minute brown or yellowish species remarkable for their resemblance to moths. They mostly feed on fungi and decayed vegetable substances.

The species of _Phlebotomus_ are troublesome blood-suckers in the south of Europe.

_Family 10, Tipulidæ._--The insects belonging to this group are popularly known as Crane Flies and Daddy-longlegs. They are very abundant.

The commonest species, _Tipula oleracea_, is a grey species with transparent wings, and exceedingly destructive to corn, roots of grass, etc., and no effectual remedy has hitherto been discovered for preventing their attacks.

The familiar Winter Gnat (_Trichocera hiemalis_) belongs to this family. It may often be seen, even during the dreary months of December and January, dancing to and fro under the shelter of some hedge or wall. In frosty weather it conceals itself beneath the bark of trees, under leaves, etc.

_Family 11, Dixidæ._--This family of gnats frequents damp places in woods, and are therefore designated "Wood Gnats." They may occasionally be seen during the summer time in immense swarms.

The species of _Dixa_ are reddish, yellow, or black insects generally of small size.

_Family 12, Rhyphidæ._--The _larvæ_ of most of these insects feed upon decayed vegetable matter.

The species of _Rhyphus_ may often be found resting on leaves in damp situations, they may also be seen on windows, and occasionally "dancing in the air."

They are generally brown, yellow, or grey insects of small size.

TRIBE II.--BRACHYCERA.

These insects are generally of much larger size, and more robust in appearance than those contained in the previous tribe. They are divided into twenty-two families.

_Family 13, Xylophagidæ._--The _Xylophagidæ_ are thick-looking insects. The head is as broad as the thorax. The legs, which are long and slender, are quite naked. The _larvæ_ live in rotten wood, and the flies may often be seen at rest on the trunks of trees.

_Family 14, Cœnomyiidæ._--In this family the head is narrower than the thorax; otherwise they closely resemble the previous family. The typical European species is _Cœnomyia ferruginea_, which measures about three-quarters of an inch in length, and in colour varies from rusty-yellow to black. The _larvæ_ feed inside the trunks of rotten poplars.

_Family 15, Stratiomyiidæ._--These are rather slender flies, varying from half to one inch in length. They are usually found resting on low plants. Many species frequent cow-dung and manure, etc. Several kinds exhibit a metallic coloration, others are black, often more or less varied with white or yellow.

_Family 16, Acanthomeridæ._--The _Acanthomeridæ_ are met with principally in America. The typical species, _Acanthomera picta_, is found in Brazil, and measures more than an inch in length. It used formerly to be largely used in the manufacture of pomade.

_Family 17, Tabanidæ._--The _Tabanidæ_ are broad-looking insects. The _larvæ_ usually live in damp earth. The females of these species live on the blood of animals.

The best-known species is the Gad Fly (_Tabanus bovinus_), which measures more than an inch in length, and is particularly troublesome to cattle in hot weather. It is blackish above, and reddish beneath and on the sides of the abdomen.

The Clegg Fly (_Hæmatopota pluvialis_) also belongs to this family. It is a dingy-looking insect with mottled-grey wings, and is sometimes very abundant in damp meadows.

Many other species of _Tabanidæ_, popularly called "Breeze Flies," are plentiful in this country.

_Family 18, Leptidæ._--These insects are mostly predatory, though many small species are parasitic on animals and other insects. The _larva_ of _Vermilio degeerii_ lives in sand, and feeds on such insects as fall in its way. Those of the genus _Leptis_ are parasitic on cockchafers and other large beetles.

_Family 19, Asilidæ._--The _Asilidæ_ or Hawk Flies are a family of considerable extent, and include many very large and conspicuous insects. They feed on other insects, and are very courageous, sometimes attacking even dragon flies. One of the most common species is _Asilus crabroniformis_, which is common in the south of England.

_Family 20, Midaidæ._--These are large insects resembling the _Asilidæ_ in their habits, and are nearly all tropical. A few species, however, inhabit the south of Europe.

_Midas giganteus_ is found in Brazil and adjacent countries in tropical America. It measures about one inch and a half in length.

_Family 21, Nemestrinidæ._--These insects are chiefly inhabitants of tropical climates like the preceding family. They are generally of a black colour, sometimes with red legs. They suck the nectar of flowers through a long proboscis, but nothing is yet known of their transformations.

_Family 22, Bombyliidæ._--The Bee Flies belong to this family. They are small or middle-sized insects, densely clothed with hairs. They are exceedingly active insects with long tongues, with which they suck honey from flowers. Their _larvæ_ are often parasitic in their earlier stages on other insects.

They are very useful in North America by keeping down the number of locusts, in the egg capsules of which the _larvæ_ feed.

Two species, _Bombyliis major_ and _B. medius_, are common in this country, and may often be seen in gardens and open spaces in woods during the spring and summer months.

_Family 23, Therevidæ._--This family is a very numerous one, especially those of the typical genus _Thereva_. They are slender, middle-sized black insects, and their bodies are generally covered with hair. They are generally found in the neighbourhood of bushes and trees.

_Family 24, Scenopinidæ._--The _Scenopinidæ_ include a few minute, black flies, not exceeding a quarter of an inch in length. They are not very common, but are sometimes found about windows.

_Family 25, Scroceridæ._--This family also contains small species of flies, but their metamorphoses are at present unknown.

They are usually to be found resting easily on dry branches of trees, but are generally rare.

_Family 26, Empididæ._--The insects of this group are very similar to the _Asilidæ_ in their carnivorous propensities, but the species are usually of a much smaller size. _Empis livida_ is a common yellowish species measuring about one-third of an inch in length.

_Family 27, Dolichopodidæ._--This family is a very extensive one, including a considerable number of genera and species. They are usually small flies often of brilliant metallic colouring. They may be found generally in the neighbourhood of water.

_Family 28, Lonchopteridæ._--The species of _Lonchopteridæ_ are small yellowish-brown or greenish flies with lanceolate wings. They frequent the banks of shady streams, and are often found resting on wet stones.

_Family 29, Syrphidæ._--The majority of flies belonging to this family are of a moderate size, and possessed of brilliant colours. With the exception of the enormous family _Muscidæ_, they are one of the largest families of the _Diptera_.

Most of the species may be recognised at once by their peculiar mode of flight, for they hover motionless in the air, and if alarmed dart off with a rapid motion which the eye cannot follow.

_Milesia Crabroniformis_ is a very large species common in the south of Europe.

About thirty species are found in the British Isles. Of these _Syrphus pyrastri_ is perhaps the best-known example. It is a very wasp-like creature, and is, indeed, mistaken by many people for a wasp. It is a very useful insect, feeding largely on aphides and plant lice, and should therefore be encouraged by every horticulturist.

_Family 30, Conopidæ._--The _larvæ_ of most of these insects are parasitic on _Orthoptera_ and _Hymenoptera_. Many species have a resemblance to wasps in appearance, being striped with yellow and black. The typical genus, _Conops_, are slender flies measuring half an inch in length.

_Family 31, Pipunculidæ._--These are black or brown insects. The head is large and round, generally broader than the thorax. The _larvæ_ are mostly parasitic on other insects. The flies may often be seen in great swarms in shady places in the vicinity of hedges, in lanes, etc.

_Family 32, Platypezidæ._--This family contains many beautiful flies. Great numbers of them are marked with orange and silver and black. The _larvæ_ inhabit fungi.

_Family 33, Æstridæ._--The Bot Flies are well known on account of the annoyance they cause to cattle. They lay their eggs upon the hides of the animals, and the _larvæ_, when hatched, make their way under the skin, and there take up their abode, living on the juices of their unfortunate host. It is estimated that the loss occasioned by these troublesome pests amounts to millions of pounds in the British Isles alone. The best-known species is probably _Æstrus bovis_, which infests the ox. The cattle are so well aware of the danger attending the presence of this insect, that as soon as it appears near them, the whole herd exhibits the most unmistakable signs of terror, rushing about their pasture with their tails in the air, and in case of need taking refuge in water, where the fly will not follow them. Miss E. A. Ormerod has recently paid much attention to the economy of this insect, with the view to finding some remedy for its attacks.

_Family 34, Muscidæ._--The _Muscidæ_ is the most numerous family, of the _Diptera_ and it includes many familiar insects. It is divided into two sections, containing thirteen sub-families. The first section, _Calypteræ_, contains five sub-families. The _Tachininæ_ are parasitic in the larval stage on _Lepidoptera_. The largest of the _Muscidæ_ found in Europe is _Echinomyria grossa_, which measures about three-quarters of an inch in length.

Many species of the _Dexinæ_ are of the most metallic-green or blue. They are principally found in Australia.

The Flesh Fly (_Sarcophaga carnaria_) belongs to the _Sarcophaginæ_ and is one of our largest species. The _larvæ_ of some species are called "Screw Worms" in America.

The fourth sub-family, the _Muscinæ_, contains the most typical species of the _Diptera_ or two-winged flies. The common House Fly (_Musca domestica_) is the most familiar example. Several blue-and-green flies are produced from _larvæ_ which feed on more or less putrid flesh, and are well known to anglers as "Gentles." The Blow Fly or Blue Bottle (_Musca vomitoria_) is one of these, also the Green Bottle Fly (_Lucilia Cæsar_) which is often common about hedges in the summer time. Many species belong to the sub-family _Anthomyiinæ_, are very small insects, and their _larvæ_ mine in the leaves of plants like those of _Tineæ_.

Section 2, namely _Acalypteræ_, contains eight sub-families.

The species of _Scalophaginæ_ are usually called "Dung-flies." The commonest species, the Yellow Dung Fly (_Scatophaga stercoraria_), feeds largely on manure and other refuse.

The _Ortalinæ_ are flies of small or moderate size, which are met with principally in woods and fields. The _Trypetinæ_ feed chiefly on fruit. One species, _Ceratitis hispanica_, is very destructive to oranges in the south of Europe, etc. Of the _Piophilinæ_, _Piophila casei_ may be taken as the typical example. The _larvæ_ which abound in cheese and bacon are popularly called "Cheese Hoppers," or "Jumpers," in allusion to their habit of springing. The _Diopsinæ_ are principally met with in the tropical parts of the world. They are generally insects of moderate size. Most of the species of _Chloropinæ_ are of small size. Their _larvæ_ generally live in the stems of corn and various kinds of grasses. The _Drosophilinæ_ are small, dull-coloured flies, the _larvæ_ of which feed on fungi, rotten fruit, and similar substances.

The last sub-family, namely, the _Agromyzinæ_, is very extensive. One of the commonest species is _Phytomyza ilicis_, the _larva_ of which forms large brown blotches on the leaves of the holly.

_Family 35, Phoridæ._--The insects belonging to this family are generally of small or moderate size. They are very active, and may be observed on plants, and also sometimes sunning themselves on windows.

TRIBE III.--HOMALOPTERA.

The insects belonging to this section much resemble spiders in appearance. They are all parasitic, and are remarkable for the perfect insect producing its young singly, and that not in the egg state, as in most insects, but either in the _pupa_ state, or as a mature _larva_ ready to become a _pupa_ immediately. This tribe contains only three families.

_Family 36, Hippoboscidæ._--The most familiar insects comprised in this family are known as "Forest Flies." The common Forest Fly (_Hippobosca equina_) is a brown species about one-third of an inch in length, and exceedingly annoying to horses, particularly in the New Forest. The Sheep Tick (_Melophagus ovinus_) is another well-known example.

_Family 37, Nycteribidæ._--These insects are all parasitic on bats, and are commonly known as "Bat Lice." They are wingless, but have a pair of halteres placed upon the dorsal surface.

_Family 38, Braulidæ._--This family includes only a single species, which is parasitic upon the honey bee. Its name is _Braula cæca_, and it is an exceedingly minute creature.

TRIBE IV.--APHANIPTERA.

The tribe _Aphaniptera_ was formerly considered to be a separate order, but it is now generally included among the _Diptera_ on account of the similarity in the transformations besides other considerations. There is only one family.

_Family 39, Pulicidæ._--To this family belongs the numerous species of fleas which infest different kinds of animals.

The Human Flea (_Pulex irritans_) is familiar to every one. It gets its living by sucking our blood, and is of great annoyance, particularly in hot weather. The blisters which it raises on various parts of the body are exceedingly irritating.

The Dog Flea (_Pulex canis_) and the Cat Flea (_Pulex felis_) are distinct from the above, and are chiefly confined to those animals, although they do not disdain to vary their diet occasionally with human blood.

The Jigger or Chigoe (_Sarcopsylla penetrans_) is abundant in the West Indies and in South America. It is sometimes very annoying to travellers, burrowing deeply under the skin. The body of the female is capable of attaining to the dimensions of a pea.

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Transcriber's Notes:

Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal
signs=.
The 2 pages of advertisements preceding the title page have been moved
to the end of this book.
The half-title page has been removed.
Obvious printing mistakes have been corrected.
Variations in spelling, hyphenation, and accents remain as in the
original unless noted below.
Introduction, "Linnean" changed to "Linnæan" ("By the Linnæan system").
Page 10, "Hawk flies" changed to "Hawk Flies."
Page 15, "Section 3" changed to "Section 2."
Page 39, "fulfed" changed to "fullfed".
Page 43, "PSEUDONEUROPTERA" changed to "PSEUDO-NEUROPTERA."
Page 52, "reins" changed to "veins."
Page 55, illustration caption: "Fig. 8" changed to "Fig. 68."
Page 95, "Family 1" changed to "Family 12."
Page 103, "Fig. 145" changed to "Fig. 146."
Page 106, "Piophila-casei" changed to "Piophila casei."
Page 107, "Tribe VI" changed to "Tribe IV."