[In Chrysops, the so-called blinding storm flies, all the three segments of the antennæ are long, the third having only five annulations, and the proboscis short but very strong.
[There are many genera in the Tabaninæ, which are found in all parts of the world, of which two only are shown here—viz., Tabanus and Hæmatopota. The former has the first two segments of the antennæ short, the third angulated at the base, sometimes spurred and composed of five annulations; the second has the second segment short, and the third composed of four annulations—never angulated nor spurred at the base—and the wings are adorned with grey or brown markings. These latter are usually called “brimps” and “clegs” in Britain, the former gad or horse flies, the seruts and mangrove flies of tropical countries.
Fig. 416.—The brimp (Hæmatopota pluvialis, Linn.).
Family. Asilidæ (Wolf Flies).
[These flies are of little importance in regard to the subject dealt with in this book; but I have notes sent concerning the biting habits of one or more species belonging to this family from the Malay States and Africa.
[Asilidæ, or wolf flies, are easily told by the following characters: Large or moderate-sized flies, thickly hairy; head separated from thorax by a narrow neck; eyes separated in both sexes; proboscis firm and horny, adapted for piercing; abdomen long, pointed, and composed of eight segments. Legs strong and bristly, of moderate length. Wings sometimes mottled, lying parallel over the abdomen when at rest. There are nearly 3,000 species. They live mostly upon insects, but some are said to bite animals and man. They are, however, of little importance in this respect.
Family. Leptidæ.