Tribe III.—Homaloptera.
The insects belonging to this section much resemble spiders in appearance. They are all parasitic, and are remarkable for the perfect insect producing its young singly, and that not in the egg state, as in most insects, but either in the pupa state, or as a mature larva ready to become a pupa immediately. This tribe contains only three families.
Family 36, Hippoboscidæ.—The most familiar insects comprised in this family are known as "Forest Flies." The common Forest Fly (Hippobosca equina) is a brown species about one-third of an inch in length, and exceedingly annoying to horses, particularly in the New Forest. The Sheep Tick (Melophagus ovinus) is another well-known example.
Fig. 154.—Oscinis Cornuta (Mag.)
Family 37, Nycteribidæ.—These insects are all parasitic on bats, and are commonly known as "Bat Lice." They are wingless, but have a pair of halteres placed upon the dorsal surface.
Fig. 155.—Phora Camariana (Mag.)
Family 38, Braulidæ.—This family includes only a single species, which is parasitic upon the honey bee. Its name is Braula cæca, and it is an exceedingly minute creature.