[Illustration: Fig. 126.--Bibio Hortulanus (Mag.)]
_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.
[Illustration: Fig. 127.--Culex Pipiens (Mag.)]
[Illustration: Fig. 128.--Chironomus Plumosus (Mag.)]
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.
[Illustration: Fig. 129.--Ceratopogon Femoratus (Mag.)]
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.
[Illustration: Fig. 130.--Trichocera Fuscata (Mag.)]
_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.
[Illustration: Fig. 131.--Tipula Gigantea.]
_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.
[Illustration: Fig. 132.--Erioptera Grisea (Mag.)]
_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.