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.
Fig. 127.—Culex Pipiens (Mag.)
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.
Fig. 129.—Ceratopogon Femoratus (Mag.)