Fig. 134.—Sargus Cuprarius (Mag.)
Family 14, Cœnomyiidæ.—In this family the head is narrower than the thorax; otherwise they closely resemble the previous family. The typical European species is Cœnomyia ferruginea, which measures about three-quarters of an inch in length, and in colour varies from rusty-yellow to black. The larvæ feed inside the trunks of rotten poplars.
Family 15, Stratiomyiidæ.—These are rather slender flies, varying from half to one inch in length. They are usually found resting on low plants. Many species frequent cow-dung and manure, etc. Several kinds exhibit a metallic coloration, others are black, often more or less varied with white or yellow.
Fig. 135.—Chrysops Cæcutriens (Mag.)
Family 16, Acanthomeridæ.—The Acanthomeridæ are met with principally in America. The typical species, Acanthomera picta, is found in Brazil, and measures more than an inch in length. It used formerly to be largely used in the manufacture of pomade.
Family 17, Tabanidæ.—The Tabanidæ are broad-looking insects. The larvæ usually live in damp earth. The females of these species live on the blood of animals.
The best-known species is the Gad Fly (Tabanus bovinus), which measures more than an inch in length, and is particularly troublesome to cattle in hot weather. It is blackish above, and reddish beneath and on the sides of the abdomen.
The Clegg Fly (Hæmatopota pluvialis) also belongs to this family. It is a dingy-looking insect with mottled-grey wings, and is sometimes very abundant in damp meadows.
