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.
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.