. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. LEPTIDAE TABANIDAE 481. inately falls. These curious accumulations are occasionally found in England as well as on the Continent, but no reason for so peculiar a habit is at present fortlicoming. Still more remarkable are the habits of some European Leptids of the genera Vcrmileo (PsammorycUr of gome authors) and Latnp- romyia, slender rather small flies of Asilid-like axjpearance, the larvae of which form pit-falls after the manner of the Ant-lion. According to Beling ^ the larva of Zeptis is very active, and is distinguished by having the stigmatic o
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. LEPTIDAE TABANIDAE 481. inately falls. These curious accumulations are occasionally found in England as well as on the Continent, but no reason for so peculiar a habit is at present fortlicoming. Still more remarkable are the habits of some European Leptids of the genera Vcrmileo (PsammorycUr of gome authors) and Latnp- romyia, slender rather small flies of Asilid-like axjpearance, the larvae of which form pit-falls after the manner of the Ant-lion. According to Beling ^ the larva of Zeptis is very active, and is distinguished by having the stigmatic orifice surrounded by four quite equal, quadrangularly placed prominences; and at the other Fig. 228.—Larva of Ver7}iUeo degeerl {Psammorycter ver- •mileo). A, lateral, B, dorsal view: p, an abdominal pseudopod ; st, stigma. Europe. (After Eeaunmr and Brauer.) extremity of the body a blackish, naked, triangular plate; on the under side of each of seven of the abdominal segments there is a band of spines. The larva of Atherix has seven pairs of abdominal feet. Altogether there are some two or three hundred known species of Leptidae; our British species scarcely reach a score. They are destitute of biting-powers and are harmless timid creatures. Zeptis scolopacea, the most conspicuous of our native species, a soft-bodied fly of rather large size, the wings much marked with dark colour, and the thick, pointed body yellowish, marked with a row of large black spots down the middle, is a common Insect in meadows. Fam. 15. Tabanidae (Breeze - flies, Cleggs, or Horse-flies, also frequently called Gad-flies).—.Proboscis fleshy, distinct, en- wrapping pointed horny j^rocesses, palpi distinct, termincd joint inflated, pendent in front of proboscis. Antennae projecting, four- jointed, second joint very short, third variable in form, fourth forming an indistinctly segmented continuation of the third, hut not ending in a bristle. A perfect squama in front of the halter. Eyes large, very
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