II.DIPTERA.All suctorial insects which in the perfect state possess only two membranous wings, are called Diptera, from two Greek words—δις, twice, and πτερον, wing.The Diptera were known and scientifically described at a very early date. They are frequently mentioned by Aristotle in his "History of Animals;" and he applied the term to the same insects as now constitute the order.The absence of the second wings, common to other insects, which are in this case replaced by two appendages, which have received the name of balancers,[10]because they serve to regulate the action of flight, constitutes the chief characteristic of the Diptera. Let us, however, give a glance at their other organs, which have more or less affinity with those which exist in other classes of insects, preserving, nevertheless, their own especial characteristics.The mouth, for instance—suited for suction only—is in the form of a trunk, and is composed of a sheath, a sucker, and two palpi. The antennæ are generally composed of only three joints. The eyes—usually two in number—are very large, and sometimes take up nearly the whole of the head. They are both simple and compound. The wings are membranous, delicate, and veined; the limbs long and slight. In giving the history of the principal types of Diptera, we shall explain more fully the formation of these organs.The Diptera, by their rapid flight, enliven both the earth and the air. The different species abound in every climate, and in every situation, some inhabiting woods, plains, fields, or banks of rivers; others preferring our houses. They like the neighbourhood of vegetation, choosing either the flowers, the leaves, or the stems of the trees of our woods, our gardens, or our plantations. Their food variesvery much; and the formation of the sucker is regulated by it. Some imbibe blood, others live on the secretions of animals. Their chief nourishment, however, consists of the juices of flowers, on whose brilliant corollas the Diptera abound, either plundering from every species indiscriminately, or attaching themselves to some particular kind. They display the most wonderful instinct in their maternal care, and employ the most varied and ingenious precautions to preserve their progeny.The Diptera, besides their variety and the number of their species, are remarkable on account of their profusion. The myriads of flies which rise from our meadows, which fly in crowds around our plants, and around every organised substance from which life has departed, some of which even infest living animals, are Diptera.The profusion with which they are distributed over the face of the globe, causes them to fulfil two important duties in the economy of Nature. On the one hand, they furnish to insectivorous birds an inexhaustible supply of food; on the other, they contribute to the removal of all decaying animal and vegetable substances, and thus serve to purify the air which we breathe. Their fecundity, the rapidity with which one generation succeeds another, and their great voracity, added to the extraordinary quickness of their reproduction, are such that Linnæus tells us that three flies, with the generations which spring from them, could eat up a dead horse as quickly as a lion could.These Diptera, which are worthy of so much attention, and deserve so much study with regard to the part they play in the general economy of Nature, are an object of fear and repulsion when one considers their relations to us and other animals. Gnats and mosquitoes suck our blood; the gad-fly and the species of Asilus attack our cattle. The order Diptera is composed of a great number of families, which are again divided into tribes, each comprising several genera. We shall only notice the more remarkable genera of Diptera.M. Macquart, the learned author of "L'Histoire Naturelle des Diptères,"[11]divides this great class of insects into two principal groups. In one of these groups, the antennæ are formed of at least six joints, and the palpi of four or five: these are called Nemocera. In the other, the antennæ consists only of three joints, and the palpi of one or two: these are the Brachycera.The Nemocera may generally be distinguished from the other Diptera, independently of the difference in the antennæ and palpi, bythe slenderness of the body, the smallness of the head, the shape of the thorax, and the length of the feet and wings. The result of this organisation is a graceful, light, and aerial form.Nemocera.Abounding everywhere, the Nemocera live, some on the blood of man and animals, some on small insects, and others on the juices of fragrant flowers. From νημα, thread; κερας, horn.In all climates, in every latitude, in the fields and woods, even in our dwellings, they may be seen fluttering and plundering. The Nemocera are divided into two families, that of theCulicidæ, of which the gnat (Culex), which has a long, thin trunk, and a sucker provided with six bristles, is a member; and that of theTipulidæ, which have a short thick trunk, and a sucker having two bristles.Figs. 19 and 20.—The Gnat (Culex pipiens).We will begin our examination with the Gnat (Culex pipiens), of which Réaumur, in his "Mémoires pour servir à l'Histoire des Insectes," has given such a curious and complete history. "The gnat is our declared enemy," says Réaumur, in the introduction to his memoir, "and a very troublesome enemy it is. However, it is well to make its acquaintance, for if we pay a little attention we shall be forced to admire it, and even to admire the instrument with which it wounds us. Besides which, throughout the whole course of its life it offers most interesting matter of investigation to those who are curiousto know the wonders of Nature. During a period in its life the observer, forgetting that it will at some time annoy him, feels the greatest interest in its life-history."As this is the case, let us explain the history of these insects, which excite so much interest. The illustrious naturalist we have just mentioned will be our guide.The body of the gnat is long and cylindrical. When in a state of repose one of its wings is crossed over the other. They present a charming appearance when seen through a microscope, their nervures, as well as their edges, being completely covered with scales, shaped like oblong plates and finely striated longitudinally. These scales are also found on all the segments of the body.Fig. 21.—Antennæ of Gnat, magnified.Fig. 22.—Head of Gnat, magnified.The antennæ of the gnat, particularly those of the male, have a fine feathery appearance (Fig. 21).Their eyes, covered with network, are so large that they cover nearly the whole of the head. Some have eyes of a brilliant green colour, but looked at in certain lights they appear red.Fig. 22shows the head of the gnat with its two eyes, its antennæ, and trunk.The instrument which the gnat employs for puncturing the skin, and which is called the trunk (Fig. 23), is well worthy of our attention. That which is generally seen is only the case of those instruments which are intended to pierce our skin and suck our blood, and in which they are held, as lancets and other instruments are held in a surgeon's case. The case (Fig. 24) is cylindrical, covered with scales, and terminates in a small knob. Split from end to end thatit may open, it contains a perfect bundle of stings. Réaumur tried to observe, by allowing himself to be stung by gnats, what took place during the attack. He forgot, in watching the operations of the insect, the slight pain caused by the wound, soliciting it as a favour, his only regret being not to obtain it when he wished.Réaumur observed that the compound sting, which is about a line in length, enters the skin to the depth of about three-quarters of a line, and that during that time the case bends into a bow, until the two ends meet. He noticed besides, that the trunk-case of certain gnats was even more complicated than that which we have described. But we will not dwell any longer on this point.Let us now try to give an idea of the construction and composition of this sting, which, after piercing the skin, draws our blood.Figs. 23 and 24.—Trunk of Gnat, magnified.Figs. 25, 26, 27.—Lancets of the Gnat.According to Réaumur, the sting of the gnat is composed of five parts. He acknowledges, however, that it is very difficult to be certain of the exact number of these parts, on account of the way in which they are united, and of their form. At the present day we know that there are six. Réaumur, as also Leuwenhoek, thought he saw two in the form of a sword blade with three edges. These have the points reversed, and are serrated on the convex side of the bend (Fig. 25). To form an idea of the shape of the other points, the reader should look at Figs.26and27. He will then see that the gnat's sting is a sword in miniature.The prick made by so fine a point as that of the sting of the gnatought not to cause any pain. "The point of the finest needle," says Réaumur, "compared to the sting of the gnat, is the same as the point of a sword compared to that of the needle." How is it then that so small a wound does not heal at once? How is it that small bumps arise on the part that is stung? The fact is, that it is not only a wound, but it has been imbued with an irritating liquid.This liquid may be seen to exude, under different circumstances, from the trunk of the gnat, like a drop of very clear water.Réaumur sometimes saw this liquid even in the trunk itself. "There is nothing better," he observes, "to prevent the bad effects of gnat bites than at once to dilute the liquid they have left in the wound with water. However small this wound may be, it will not be difficult for water to be introduced. By rubbing, it will be at once enlarged, and there is nothing to do but to wash it. I have sometimes found this remedy answer very well."Fig. 28.Larva of the Gnat.The gnat is not always in the form of a winged insect, greedy for our blood. There is a period during which they leave us in repose. This is the larva period. It is in water, and in stagnant water in particular, that the larva of the insect which occupies our attention is to be found. It resembles a worm, and may be found in ponds from the month of May until the commencement of winter.If we desire to follow the larva of the gnat from the beginning, we have only to keep a bucket of water in the open air. After a few days this water will be observed to be full of the larvæ of the gnat (Fig. 28). They are very small, and come to the surface of the water to breathe; for which purpose they extend the opening of a pipe,A, which is attached to the last segment of the body, a little above the surface. They are, consequently, obliged to hold their heads down. By the side of the breathing-tube is another tube,B, shorter and thicker than the former, nearly perpendicular to the body, its orifice being the exterior termination of the digestive tube. At the anus it is fringed with long hairs, having the appearance, when in the water, of a funnel. At the end of the same tube, and inside the hair funnel, are four thin, oval, transparent, scaly blades, having the appearance of fins. They are placed in pairs, of which one emanates from the right side, the other from the left.These four blades or fins have the power of separating from each other. Each segment of the abdomen has on both sides a tuft of hair, and the thorax has three. The head is round and flat, and is provided with two simple brown eyes. Round the mouth are several wattles, furnished with hair, of which two of crescent-like form are the most conspicuous. These tufts move with great quickness, causing small currents of liquid to flow into the mouth, by means of which the necessary food, microscopic insects and particles of vegetable and earthy matter, is brought to the larva.They change their skin several times during their continuance in this state. This latter fact has been remarked by Dom Allou, a learned Carthusian, "whose pleasure," says Réaumur, "consisted in admiring the works of the Almighty, when not occupied in singing his praises." We think it will be interesting to repeat the few lines which accompany the mention made by Réaumur of this worthy Carthusian. They appear to us to be well worth reading, even at the present day."If the pious monks who composed so many societies, possessed, like Dom Allou, the love of observing insects, we might hope that the most essential facts in the history of those little creatures would soon be made known to us. What enjoyment more worthy of the calling they have chosen could these pious men pursue than that which would place before their eyes the marvellous creations of an Almighty Power? Even their leisure would then incline them to adore that Power, and would furnish them the means to make others do so who are occupied by too serious or too frivolous employments."Fig. 29.Pupa of the Gnat.After having changed its skin three times in a fortnight or three weeks, the larva of the gnat throws off its covering for a fourth time, and is no longer in the larva state. It is changed both in shape and condition. Instead of being oblong, its body is shortened, rounded, and bent in such a way that the tail is applied to the under part of the head. This is the case when the animal is in repose; but it is able to move and swim, and then, by bending its body and straightening it again, propels itself through the water.In this new condition, that is to say, in the pupa state (Fig. 29), it does not eat. It no longer possesses digestive organs, but it is necessary, even more than before its metamorphosis, that it should breathe atmospheric air. Besides, the organs of respiration are greatly changed. During the time the insect was in the larva state, it was through the long tube fixed to the posterior part that it received or expelled the air; but in castingits skin it loses the tube, two appendages resembling an ass's ears being for the pupa what the tube was for the larva, the opening of these ears being held above the surface of the water. From this pupa the perfect insect will emerge; it is developed little by little, and the principal members may be distinguished under the transparent membranous skin which envelopes it.When the insect is about to change from the pupa state, it lies on the surface of the water, straightening the hind part of its body, and extending itself on the surface of the water, above which the thorax is raised. Before it has been a moment in this position, its skin splits between the two breathing trumpets, the split increasing very rapidly in length and breadth."It leaves uncovered," says Réaumur, "a portion of the thorax of the gnat, easily to be recognised by the freshness of its colour, which is green, and different from the skin in which it was before enveloped."As soon is the split is enlarged—and to do so sufficiently is the work of a moment—the fore part of the perfect insect is not long in showing itself; and soon afterwards the head appears, rising above the edges of the opening. But this moment, and those which follow, until the gnat has entirely left its covering, are most critical, and when it is exposed to fearful danger. This insect, which lately lived in the water, is suddenly in a position in which it has nothing to fear so much as water. If it were upset on the water, and the water were to touch its thorax or body, it would be fatal. This is the way in which it acts in this critical position—As soon as it has got out its head and thorax, it lifts them as high as it is able above the opening through which they had emerged, and then draws the posterior part of its body through the same opening; or rather that part pushes itself forward by contracting a little and then lengthening again, the roughness of the covering from which it desires to extricate itself serving as an assistance.Fig. 30.—Gnats emerging."A larger portion of the gnat is thus uncovered, and at the same time the head is advanced farther towards the anterior end of the covering; but as it advances in this direction, it rises more and more, the anterior and posterior ends of the sheath thus becoming quite empty. The sheath then becomes a sort of boat, into which the water does not enter; and it would be fatal if it did. The water could not find a passage to the farther end, and the edges of the anterior end could not be submerged until the other was considerably sunk. The gnat itself is the mast of its little boat. Large boats, which pass under bridges, have masts which can be lowered; as soon as the boat has passed the bridge the mast is hoisted up by degrees, until it is perpendicular. The gnat rises thus until itbecomes the mast of its own little boat, and a vertical mast also. It is difficult to imagine how it is able to put itself in such a singular, though for it necessary, position, and also how it can keep it. The fore part of the boat is much more loaded than the other, but it is also much broader. Any one who observes how deep the fore part of the boat is, and how near the edges of its sides are to the water, forgets for the time being that the gnat is an insect that he would willingly destroy at other times. One feels uneasy for its fate; and the more so if the wind happens to rise, particularly if it disturbs the surface of the water. But one sees with pleasure that there is air enough to carry the gnat along quickly; it is carried from side to side; it makes different voyages in the bucket in which it is borne. Though it is only a sort of boat—or rather mast, because its wings and legs are fixed close to its body, it is perhaps, in proportion to the size of its boat, a larger sail than one would dare to put on a real vessel—one cannot help fearing that the little boat will capsize. * * * As soon as the boat is capsized, as soon as the gnat is laid on the surface of the water, there is no chance left for it. I have sometimes seen the water covered with gnats which had perished thus as soon as they were born. It is, however, still more extraordinary that the gnat is able to finish its operations. Happily they do not last long; all dangers may be passed over in a minute."The gnat, after raising itself perpendicularly, draws its two front legs from the sheath, and brings them forward. It then draws out the two next. It now no longer tries to maintain its uneasy position, but leans towards the water; gets near it, and places its feet upon it; the water is sufficiently firm and solid support for them, and is able to bear them, although burdened with the insect's body. As soon as the insect is thus on the water it is in safety; its wings are unfolded and dried, which is done sooner than it takes to tell it, at length the gnat is in a position to use them, and it is soon seen to fly away, particularly if one tries to catch it."Fig. 31.—Eggs of the Gnat, magnified.One more word about the gnat, whose life is full of such interesting details.The reader will perhaps not feel much pleasure in learning that the fecundity of these insects is extraordinary. Many generations are born in a single year, each generation requiring only three weeks or a month to arrive at a condition to bring forth a new generation. Thus, the number of gnats which comes into existence in the courseof a year is something fearful. Only a few days after the pupæ in a bucket are transformed into gnats, eggs which have been left by the females may be observed on the surface of the water in little clusters.Many species of gnats, known as mosquitoes, are to be found in America. All travellers speak of the sufferings endured by a stranger in that country from the bites of these insects. One can only preserve oneself from these cruel enemies during sleep by hanging gauze, called a mosquito curtain, round the bed. Mosquito curtains are not only necessary in America; during the hot season, in Spain, throughout the whole of Italy, and a part of the south of France, it is necessary to hang these curtains round the bed, if one wishes to obtain any sleep; it is also a necessary precaution not to have a light in one's bedchamber, as the sight of it at once attracts these dangerous companions, whose buzzing and stinging prevent any possibility of repose during the whole night. Such is our advice to people who travel in the above-mentioned countries.TheTipulidæhave a narrow, elongated abdomen, and long and slight limbs. The head is round, and the eyes, which are compound, are, especially in the males, very large. The wings, which are long and narrow, are sometimes held wide apart, sometimes horizontally, and sometimes bent so as to form, as it were, a roof. The balancers are naked and elongated; the abdomen long, cylindrical, and often terminating in a club in the male, and in a point in the female. The antennæ, which are longer than the head, are generally composed of from fourteen to sixteen joints, and are sometimes in the form of a comb or saw, sometimes furnished with hair, in form of plumes, bunches, or in a whorl. The larvæ live on plants, in the fields, in gardens, and sometimes in woods. The perfect insects, at first sight, resemble gnats, but are without a trunk, or rather their trunk is extremely short, terminating in two large lips, and the sucker is composed of two fibres only.[12]The larger species ofTipulæ, which are commonly known as "Daddy Longlegs," &c., and in France as "Tailleurs" and "Couturières," are found in fields at the end of September and commencement of October."Although they sometimes fly a considerable distance," says Réaumur, "when the sun is bright and hot, they generally do not go far; often, indeed, only along the ground, or rather the top of the grass. Sometimes they only use their wings to keep them above the level of the herbage, and to take them along. Their legs, particularly the hind ones, are disproportionately large. They are three times the length of the body, and are to these insects what stilts are to the peasants of marshy and inundated countries, enabling them to pass with ease over the higher blades of grass."One of the smaller species has been termedculiciformis, on account of its resemblance to the gnat. The smaller are more active than the larger species which we have mentioned. Not only do they fly more rapidly, but there are some kinds which are continually on the wing. In all seasons, even during the winter, at certain hours of the day, clouds of small insects are seen in the air, which are taken for gnats: they areTipulæ. Their flight is worthy of attention; they generally only rise and fall in the same vertical line. All these flies come from larvæ, which resemble very elongated worms, having scaly heads, generally furnished with two very small conical antennæ, and certain other organs, for the purpose of obtaining food. Their bodies are jointed without limbs, but nevertheless provided with appendages which supply their place. The larvæ of the various species are of very different habits. Some are aquatic, as that ofTipula culiciformis, a small species which is very numerous in stagnant waters.It is necessary to say a few words about these worm-like larvæ, which are extremely common. They are of a brilliant red colour, and inhabit little oblong bent masses of earth, thickly pierced with holes. Each hole allows a worm to extend its head, and the foremost part of its body, out of the cell, which is made of light spongy matters, remains of decayed leaves, &c. These larvæ are transformed into pupæ, in the cell in which they have lived, during the larvæ state, losing by this metamorphosis the scaly coverings of the head and of all the exterior parts. They pass into the pupa state, and have the thorax provided with dainty plumes, which probably assist in the action of respiration. This pupa is very active and quick in its movements in the water. When the moment comes for its last metamorphosis, it throws off its feathery covering in much the same manner as the gnat.Fig. 32representsTipula oleraceain the different stages of larva, pupa, and perfect insect.Fig. 32.—Daddy Longlegs (Tipula oleracea).Other species of smallTipulæhave aquatic larvæ very similar to those which we have described. Réaumur remarked that each of these worms is lodged in a thick mass, convex at the top, formed of a transparent and adhesive white jelly. The larvæ of the largerTipulæare not aquatic, but are of different habits, and live under the ground; all soil which is not frequently turned is suitable to them, but they are to be found especially in low damp meadows.Réaumur saw large districts of grassy swamps in Poictou, which, in certain years, furnished very little grass for the cattle, on account of the ravages caused by these larvæ. They had also much injured the harvest in the same districts during those years.These larvæ appear to require no other food than vegetable mould. Their excrements are, in fact, according to Réaumur,nothing else than dried earth, from which the stomach and intestines of the insect have withdrawn all nourishing matter.Old trees have often hollow cavities occasioned by the decay of the trunk. When these cavities are old, their lower parts are full of a sort of mould, which is in fact half-decayed wood. It is there that theTipulæoften lay their eggs. Réaumur frequently found the larvæ in the trunks of elms or willows, and also in the fleshy parts of certain kinds of mushrooms. He carefully observed the habits of one, which lived under the covering of a mushroom, the Oak agaric (Agaricus quercinus). This larva is round, grey, and resembles an earth-worm. It does not walk, but crawls; and the places where it stops, or which it passes over, are covered with a sort of brilliant slime, like that left by the snail or slug.M. Guérin-Méneville has published some very interesting remarks on the migrations of the larvæ of a particular kind ofTipula, known by the name ofSciara. We will borrow from that entomologist the following curious details, which will initiate us into one of the most wonderful phenomena in the whole history of insects. These small larvæ are without feet, hardly five lines in length, and about the third of a line in diameter. They are composed of thirteen segments, and have small black heads.In some years, during the month of July, may be found on the borders of forests in Norway and Hanover, immense trains of these larvæ, formed by the union of an innumerable quantity fixed to each other by a sticky substance. These collections of larvæ resemble some sort of strange animal of serpent-like form, several feet long, one or two inches in thickness, and formed by the union of an immense number, which cling to each other by thousands, and move on together. The whole society advances thus with one accord, leaving a track after it on the ground, as a material indication of its presence.These strange collections of living creatures form societies, sometimes only a few yards long; but at other times it happens that they form bands from ten to twelve yards in length, of the breadth of a hand and the thickness of a thumb. M. Guérin-Méneville observed columns as many as thirty yards in length. These troops advance as slowly as a snail, and in a certain direction. If they encounter an obstacle—as a stone, for instance—they cross over it, turn round it, or else divide into two sections, which reunite after the obstacle is passed. If a portion of the column be removed so as to divide it into two parts, it is quickly reunited, as the hindmost portion soon joins that which precedes it. Lastly, if the posterior part of thisliving ribbon be brought into contact with the anterior, a circle is formed, which turns round and round on the same ground for a long time, sometimes even for a whole day, before breaking, and continuing to advance. They are never met with in bad weather, but only when the sun is warm.The curious and astonishing phenomenon of an assembly of larvæ without feet, advancing with an equal movement resulting from the individual motion of thousands of little worms, was remarked for the first time, in 1603, by Gaspard Schwenefelt. This naturalist says that the inhabitants of Siberia consider this phenomenon as an indication of a bad harvest if they go towards the mountains; whereas, if they descend towards the plains, it is the sign of a good one. In 1715 Jonas Ramus mentioned the same phenomenon, recalling a superstition attached to it by the peasants of Norway. This writer informs us that the peasants of that country, on meeting one of these moving columns, throw down their belts or waistcoats on the ground before it. If theorme-drag(that is the name given to the moving column) crosses over this obstacle, it is a good sign; but on the other hand, if the column turns round the obstacle, instead of crossing it, some mischief may be expected.The same animals were observed in 1845 at Birkenmore, near Hefeld, by M. Rande, Royal Inspector of the Forests of Hanover.M. Guérin-Méneville is of opinion that these larvæ, which exist in great numbers in certain districts, sometimes devour all the nutritive substances contained in the ground. After having done so, they are obliged to come out of it, in order to seek at a distance a place where they will find food, or perhaps only a suitable place to undergo their metamorphosis. It is then that this singular journey commences. As regards the uniting of these myriads of individuals into columns, M. Guérin-Méneville thinks that it can be explained by the necessity these insects feel for mutual protection against the drying effect of the atmosphere when they are forced to leave the ground. United into masses, and moistened by the glutinous matter which connects them, they can leave their former place of abode without danger; if each were by itself, they would soon perish. Here, as in other cases, union is strength; and the strength of these larvæ lies in this protecting moisture. However it may be explained, the migration of these troops of insects are among the most astonishing phenomena of Nature.Brachycera.The Brachycera, from βραχυς, "short;" and κερας, "a horn"—these Diptera having short antennæ—are divided into four groups. In this subdivision the sucker is composed of six bristles. Amongst other families it includes that of theTabanidæ; the insects belonging to which family are of remarkable strength, and possessed of daring and courage in the highest degree. Their wings are provided with powerful muscles, their feet are very strong, and their trunk is provided with six flat, sharp lancets. Distributed over the entire world, their instinct is everywhere the same, it is the desire for blood, at least in the females; for the males are not so warlike, they do no harm, but live on the juices of flowers. They are chiefly found in woods and pastures, and during the hottest part of the day in summer may be seen flying about seeking for their prey.M. de Saint-Fargeau has described the manner in which the males fly. They may be seen flying hither and thither in the glades of woods, remaining for some time suspended in the air, then darting quickly and suddenly away a yard or two, again taking up the same immovable position, and in each of these movements turning the head to the opposite way from that in which they are going. This naturalist is certain that on these occasions they are watching for the females, which they dart upon. When they have succeeded in doing so, they rise so high as to be out of sight.To this group belongs the genusTabanus.The first species we shall mention,Tabanus autumnalis(Fig. 33), a common species, is eight or nine lines in length, and of blackish colour. The palpi, the face, and the forehead are grey; the antennæ black; the thorax grey, striped with brown; the abdomen spotted with yellow; the legs of a yellowish white; and the outer edge of the wings brown.Another species (Tabanus bovinus) is twelve lines in length, and of a blackish brown. The palpi, the face, and the forehead are yellow; the antennæ black, with a whitish base; the thorax, covered with yellow hair, is striped with black; the posterior edge of the segments of the abdomen pale yellow; the legs yellowish, with the extremities black, and the exterior edge of the wings yellow. This species is frequently met with in woods.A third species,Chrysops cæcutiens(Fig. 34), which belongs to the same family, and of which the generic nameChrysopssignifies golden-eyed, torments horses and cattle very much by biting them round the eyes. Its thorax is of a yellowish colour, striped or spotted with black; the abdomen yellow, and the eyes golden.In the next group of the Brachycera the sucker is composed offour bristles, and the antennæ generally terminate in a point which appears to be rather a development than an appendage.This group includes a number of genera, but the following only possess sufficient interest to claim our attention. From theTanystomæwe select the families of theAsilidæ,Empidæ, andBombylidæ. As types of theBrachystomæwe select theLeptidæandSyrphidæ.Fig. 33.—Tabanus autumnalis.Fig. 34.—Chrysops cæcutiens.The chief characteristic of theAsilidæis strength. All their organs combine to produce this quality, which they display only too much, being as formidable to cattle as theTabani, but even surpassing those insects in natural cruelty.TheAsilidæunceasingly attack other insects, and even those of their own kind. Their trunk is strong; one of the fibres of the sucker is furnished with small points, turned back, which are intended to hold firmly to the body into which it has entered. They carry on their devastations in the glades of woods and on sunny roads.We will mention in this groupAsilus crabroniformis(Fig. 35), an insect ten to twelve lines long, having a yellow head, black antennæ, and thorax of a brownish yellow. The three first segments of the abdomen are black, the second and third having a white spot on each side, the remaining segments are yellow. The wings are yellowish, spotted with black on the inner and hind margin. This species is common over the whole of Europe, and lives at the expense of caterpillars and other insects, of which it sucks the blood with the greatest voracity.Fig. 35.—Asilus crabroniformis.Fig. 36.—Bombylius major.TheEmpidælive in the same way as theAsilidæ, but the males are chiefly nourished by the juices of flowers."They wage war on other insects," says M. Macquart, in his "Histoire Naturelle des Diptères," "either when flying or running, and they seize their victims with their feet, which are formed in various ways, and well adapted for their purpose, but it is in the air that their hunting, as well as their amours, chiefly take place. They unite together in numerous companies, which during fine summer evenings whirl like gnats about the water's edge. A singular observation, however, that I have made on theEmpis, is, that among the thousands of pairs that I have seen resting on hedges and bushes, nearly all the females were occupied in sucking an insect; some had hold of smallPhryganeæ,[13]others ofEphemeræ,[14]and the greater part ofTipulæ."TheEmpidæhave the trunk bent down, and resembling the beak of a bird; but theBombylidæ, on the contrary, have the trunk extended straight in front.The typical genus which has given its name to this latter group is easily to be recognised by the elegance of the fur which covers its body, the slenderness of its feet, and the length of its wings, which extend horizontally on each side of the body.Much more common in hot climates than in the North, these insects, the larvæ of which are not yet known, take flight in the middle of the day, when the sun's rays are hottest. They fly very fast, making a dull buzzing sound, and hover over flowers, from which they draw the juices without settling.Fig. 36represents theBombylius major, which is common enough throughout the whole of Europe. This insect is from four to six lines long, black, with yellow fur; the feet light yellow; and the wings have the edges bordered with a sinuous brown band.The genusAnthrax, belonging to this family, has a different form toBombylius. The body is much less hairy; the trunk is short and concealed in the mouth; the wings, which are very large, are clothed, at least in the principal genus, in a garb of mourning, sufficiently remarkable, in which the combinations of black and white are admirably diversified."Here," says M. Macquart, "the line which separates the two colours is straight; there it represents gradations, in other cases it is deeply sinuous. Sometimes the dark part shows transparent points, or the glassy part dark spots. This sombre garb, added to the velvet black of the body, gives the Anthrax a most elegant appearance;and while resting on the corolla of the honeysuckle and hawthorn to suck the juice, forms a most striking contrast, and sets forth its beauty no less than that of those lovely flowers."Anthrax sinuatais common in Europe.The family of theSyrphidæincludes three remarkable types, which we cannot pass over in silence. They areVermileo,Volucella, andHelophilus.Vermileo de Geeri(Fig. 37), which inhabits the central and southern parts of France, is four or five lines in length. Its face is white; its forehead grey, bordered with black; the thorax of a yellowish grey, with four brown stripes in the male; the abdomen light yellow, spotted with black; and the wings glassy.Fig. 37.—Vermileo de Geeri.Fig. 38.—A species of Volucella.The larva of theVermileohas a thin cylindrical body, capable of bending itself in every direction; a conical head, armed with two horny points; and the last segment elongated, flat, elevated, and terminated by four hairy tentacles; at the sides of the fifth segment may be observed a little angle, from which projects a horny retractile point.It is of very singular habits. It makes a small tunnel in the sand, having a conical mouth, where it waits, like the spider, immovable. As soon as an insect falls into the hole, it raises its head, and squeezing its prey in the folds of its body, devours it, and afterwards throws out the skin. It lives in this way for at least three years before attaining the perfect state.TheVolucellæ(Fig. 38) have a strong resemblance to the humble-bee. Certain kinds make use and abuse of this resemblance to introduce themselves fraudulently into its nests, and to deposit theireggs therein. When these eggs have hatched, the larvæ, which have the mouth armed with two mandibles, devour the larvæ of their hosts, the bees. This is the return they make for the hospitality they have received!
II.
DIPTERA.
All suctorial insects which in the perfect state possess only two membranous wings, are called Diptera, from two Greek words—δις, twice, and πτερον, wing.
The Diptera were known and scientifically described at a very early date. They are frequently mentioned by Aristotle in his "History of Animals;" and he applied the term to the same insects as now constitute the order.
The absence of the second wings, common to other insects, which are in this case replaced by two appendages, which have received the name of balancers,[10]because they serve to regulate the action of flight, constitutes the chief characteristic of the Diptera. Let us, however, give a glance at their other organs, which have more or less affinity with those which exist in other classes of insects, preserving, nevertheless, their own especial characteristics.
The mouth, for instance—suited for suction only—is in the form of a trunk, and is composed of a sheath, a sucker, and two palpi. The antennæ are generally composed of only three joints. The eyes—usually two in number—are very large, and sometimes take up nearly the whole of the head. They are both simple and compound. The wings are membranous, delicate, and veined; the limbs long and slight. In giving the history of the principal types of Diptera, we shall explain more fully the formation of these organs.
The Diptera, by their rapid flight, enliven both the earth and the air. The different species abound in every climate, and in every situation, some inhabiting woods, plains, fields, or banks of rivers; others preferring our houses. They like the neighbourhood of vegetation, choosing either the flowers, the leaves, or the stems of the trees of our woods, our gardens, or our plantations. Their food variesvery much; and the formation of the sucker is regulated by it. Some imbibe blood, others live on the secretions of animals. Their chief nourishment, however, consists of the juices of flowers, on whose brilliant corollas the Diptera abound, either plundering from every species indiscriminately, or attaching themselves to some particular kind. They display the most wonderful instinct in their maternal care, and employ the most varied and ingenious precautions to preserve their progeny.
The Diptera, besides their variety and the number of their species, are remarkable on account of their profusion. The myriads of flies which rise from our meadows, which fly in crowds around our plants, and around every organised substance from which life has departed, some of which even infest living animals, are Diptera.
The profusion with which they are distributed over the face of the globe, causes them to fulfil two important duties in the economy of Nature. On the one hand, they furnish to insectivorous birds an inexhaustible supply of food; on the other, they contribute to the removal of all decaying animal and vegetable substances, and thus serve to purify the air which we breathe. Their fecundity, the rapidity with which one generation succeeds another, and their great voracity, added to the extraordinary quickness of their reproduction, are such that Linnæus tells us that three flies, with the generations which spring from them, could eat up a dead horse as quickly as a lion could.
These Diptera, which are worthy of so much attention, and deserve so much study with regard to the part they play in the general economy of Nature, are an object of fear and repulsion when one considers their relations to us and other animals. Gnats and mosquitoes suck our blood; the gad-fly and the species of Asilus attack our cattle. The order Diptera is composed of a great number of families, which are again divided into tribes, each comprising several genera. We shall only notice the more remarkable genera of Diptera.
M. Macquart, the learned author of "L'Histoire Naturelle des Diptères,"[11]divides this great class of insects into two principal groups. In one of these groups, the antennæ are formed of at least six joints, and the palpi of four or five: these are called Nemocera. In the other, the antennæ consists only of three joints, and the palpi of one or two: these are the Brachycera.
The Nemocera may generally be distinguished from the other Diptera, independently of the difference in the antennæ and palpi, bythe slenderness of the body, the smallness of the head, the shape of the thorax, and the length of the feet and wings. The result of this organisation is a graceful, light, and aerial form.
Nemocera.
Abounding everywhere, the Nemocera live, some on the blood of man and animals, some on small insects, and others on the juices of fragrant flowers. From νημα, thread; κερας, horn.
In all climates, in every latitude, in the fields and woods, even in our dwellings, they may be seen fluttering and plundering. The Nemocera are divided into two families, that of theCulicidæ, of which the gnat (Culex), which has a long, thin trunk, and a sucker provided with six bristles, is a member; and that of theTipulidæ, which have a short thick trunk, and a sucker having two bristles.
Figs. 19 and 20.—The Gnat (Culex pipiens).
We will begin our examination with the Gnat (Culex pipiens), of which Réaumur, in his "Mémoires pour servir à l'Histoire des Insectes," has given such a curious and complete history. "The gnat is our declared enemy," says Réaumur, in the introduction to his memoir, "and a very troublesome enemy it is. However, it is well to make its acquaintance, for if we pay a little attention we shall be forced to admire it, and even to admire the instrument with which it wounds us. Besides which, throughout the whole course of its life it offers most interesting matter of investigation to those who are curiousto know the wonders of Nature. During a period in its life the observer, forgetting that it will at some time annoy him, feels the greatest interest in its life-history."
As this is the case, let us explain the history of these insects, which excite so much interest. The illustrious naturalist we have just mentioned will be our guide.
The body of the gnat is long and cylindrical. When in a state of repose one of its wings is crossed over the other. They present a charming appearance when seen through a microscope, their nervures, as well as their edges, being completely covered with scales, shaped like oblong plates and finely striated longitudinally. These scales are also found on all the segments of the body.
The antennæ of the gnat, particularly those of the male, have a fine feathery appearance (Fig. 21).
Their eyes, covered with network, are so large that they cover nearly the whole of the head. Some have eyes of a brilliant green colour, but looked at in certain lights they appear red.Fig. 22shows the head of the gnat with its two eyes, its antennæ, and trunk.
The instrument which the gnat employs for puncturing the skin, and which is called the trunk (Fig. 23), is well worthy of our attention. That which is generally seen is only the case of those instruments which are intended to pierce our skin and suck our blood, and in which they are held, as lancets and other instruments are held in a surgeon's case. The case (Fig. 24) is cylindrical, covered with scales, and terminates in a small knob. Split from end to end thatit may open, it contains a perfect bundle of stings. Réaumur tried to observe, by allowing himself to be stung by gnats, what took place during the attack. He forgot, in watching the operations of the insect, the slight pain caused by the wound, soliciting it as a favour, his only regret being not to obtain it when he wished.
Réaumur observed that the compound sting, which is about a line in length, enters the skin to the depth of about three-quarters of a line, and that during that time the case bends into a bow, until the two ends meet. He noticed besides, that the trunk-case of certain gnats was even more complicated than that which we have described. But we will not dwell any longer on this point.
Let us now try to give an idea of the construction and composition of this sting, which, after piercing the skin, draws our blood.
According to Réaumur, the sting of the gnat is composed of five parts. He acknowledges, however, that it is very difficult to be certain of the exact number of these parts, on account of the way in which they are united, and of their form. At the present day we know that there are six. Réaumur, as also Leuwenhoek, thought he saw two in the form of a sword blade with three edges. These have the points reversed, and are serrated on the convex side of the bend (Fig. 25). To form an idea of the shape of the other points, the reader should look at Figs.26and27. He will then see that the gnat's sting is a sword in miniature.
The prick made by so fine a point as that of the sting of the gnatought not to cause any pain. "The point of the finest needle," says Réaumur, "compared to the sting of the gnat, is the same as the point of a sword compared to that of the needle." How is it then that so small a wound does not heal at once? How is it that small bumps arise on the part that is stung? The fact is, that it is not only a wound, but it has been imbued with an irritating liquid.
This liquid may be seen to exude, under different circumstances, from the trunk of the gnat, like a drop of very clear water.
Réaumur sometimes saw this liquid even in the trunk itself. "There is nothing better," he observes, "to prevent the bad effects of gnat bites than at once to dilute the liquid they have left in the wound with water. However small this wound may be, it will not be difficult for water to be introduced. By rubbing, it will be at once enlarged, and there is nothing to do but to wash it. I have sometimes found this remedy answer very well."
Fig. 28.Larva of the Gnat.
The gnat is not always in the form of a winged insect, greedy for our blood. There is a period during which they leave us in repose. This is the larva period. It is in water, and in stagnant water in particular, that the larva of the insect which occupies our attention is to be found. It resembles a worm, and may be found in ponds from the month of May until the commencement of winter.
If we desire to follow the larva of the gnat from the beginning, we have only to keep a bucket of water in the open air. After a few days this water will be observed to be full of the larvæ of the gnat (Fig. 28). They are very small, and come to the surface of the water to breathe; for which purpose they extend the opening of a pipe,A, which is attached to the last segment of the body, a little above the surface. They are, consequently, obliged to hold their heads down. By the side of the breathing-tube is another tube,B, shorter and thicker than the former, nearly perpendicular to the body, its orifice being the exterior termination of the digestive tube. At the anus it is fringed with long hairs, having the appearance, when in the water, of a funnel. At the end of the same tube, and inside the hair funnel, are four thin, oval, transparent, scaly blades, having the appearance of fins. They are placed in pairs, of which one emanates from the right side, the other from the left.
These four blades or fins have the power of separating from each other. Each segment of the abdomen has on both sides a tuft of hair, and the thorax has three. The head is round and flat, and is provided with two simple brown eyes. Round the mouth are several wattles, furnished with hair, of which two of crescent-like form are the most conspicuous. These tufts move with great quickness, causing small currents of liquid to flow into the mouth, by means of which the necessary food, microscopic insects and particles of vegetable and earthy matter, is brought to the larva.
They change their skin several times during their continuance in this state. This latter fact has been remarked by Dom Allou, a learned Carthusian, "whose pleasure," says Réaumur, "consisted in admiring the works of the Almighty, when not occupied in singing his praises." We think it will be interesting to repeat the few lines which accompany the mention made by Réaumur of this worthy Carthusian. They appear to us to be well worth reading, even at the present day.
"If the pious monks who composed so many societies, possessed, like Dom Allou, the love of observing insects, we might hope that the most essential facts in the history of those little creatures would soon be made known to us. What enjoyment more worthy of the calling they have chosen could these pious men pursue than that which would place before their eyes the marvellous creations of an Almighty Power? Even their leisure would then incline them to adore that Power, and would furnish them the means to make others do so who are occupied by too serious or too frivolous employments."
Fig. 29.Pupa of the Gnat.
After having changed its skin three times in a fortnight or three weeks, the larva of the gnat throws off its covering for a fourth time, and is no longer in the larva state. It is changed both in shape and condition. Instead of being oblong, its body is shortened, rounded, and bent in such a way that the tail is applied to the under part of the head. This is the case when the animal is in repose; but it is able to move and swim, and then, by bending its body and straightening it again, propels itself through the water.
In this new condition, that is to say, in the pupa state (Fig. 29), it does not eat. It no longer possesses digestive organs, but it is necessary, even more than before its metamorphosis, that it should breathe atmospheric air. Besides, the organs of respiration are greatly changed. During the time the insect was in the larva state, it was through the long tube fixed to the posterior part that it received or expelled the air; but in castingits skin it loses the tube, two appendages resembling an ass's ears being for the pupa what the tube was for the larva, the opening of these ears being held above the surface of the water. From this pupa the perfect insect will emerge; it is developed little by little, and the principal members may be distinguished under the transparent membranous skin which envelopes it.
When the insect is about to change from the pupa state, it lies on the surface of the water, straightening the hind part of its body, and extending itself on the surface of the water, above which the thorax is raised. Before it has been a moment in this position, its skin splits between the two breathing trumpets, the split increasing very rapidly in length and breadth.
"It leaves uncovered," says Réaumur, "a portion of the thorax of the gnat, easily to be recognised by the freshness of its colour, which is green, and different from the skin in which it was before enveloped.
"As soon is the split is enlarged—and to do so sufficiently is the work of a moment—the fore part of the perfect insect is not long in showing itself; and soon afterwards the head appears, rising above the edges of the opening. But this moment, and those which follow, until the gnat has entirely left its covering, are most critical, and when it is exposed to fearful danger. This insect, which lately lived in the water, is suddenly in a position in which it has nothing to fear so much as water. If it were upset on the water, and the water were to touch its thorax or body, it would be fatal. This is the way in which it acts in this critical position—As soon as it has got out its head and thorax, it lifts them as high as it is able above the opening through which they had emerged, and then draws the posterior part of its body through the same opening; or rather that part pushes itself forward by contracting a little and then lengthening again, the roughness of the covering from which it desires to extricate itself serving as an assistance.
Fig. 30.—Gnats emerging.
"A larger portion of the gnat is thus uncovered, and at the same time the head is advanced farther towards the anterior end of the covering; but as it advances in this direction, it rises more and more, the anterior and posterior ends of the sheath thus becoming quite empty. The sheath then becomes a sort of boat, into which the water does not enter; and it would be fatal if it did. The water could not find a passage to the farther end, and the edges of the anterior end could not be submerged until the other was considerably sunk. The gnat itself is the mast of its little boat. Large boats, which pass under bridges, have masts which can be lowered; as soon as the boat has passed the bridge the mast is hoisted up by degrees, until it is perpendicular. The gnat rises thus until itbecomes the mast of its own little boat, and a vertical mast also. It is difficult to imagine how it is able to put itself in such a singular, though for it necessary, position, and also how it can keep it. The fore part of the boat is much more loaded than the other, but it is also much broader. Any one who observes how deep the fore part of the boat is, and how near the edges of its sides are to the water, forgets for the time being that the gnat is an insect that he would willingly destroy at other times. One feels uneasy for its fate; and the more so if the wind happens to rise, particularly if it disturbs the surface of the water. But one sees with pleasure that there is air enough to carry the gnat along quickly; it is carried from side to side; it makes different voyages in the bucket in which it is borne. Though it is only a sort of boat—or rather mast, because its wings and legs are fixed close to its body, it is perhaps, in proportion to the size of its boat, a larger sail than one would dare to put on a real vessel—one cannot help fearing that the little boat will capsize. * * * As soon as the boat is capsized, as soon as the gnat is laid on the surface of the water, there is no chance left for it. I have sometimes seen the water covered with gnats which had perished thus as soon as they were born. It is, however, still more extraordinary that the gnat is able to finish its operations. Happily they do not last long; all dangers may be passed over in a minute.
"The gnat, after raising itself perpendicularly, draws its two front legs from the sheath, and brings them forward. It then draws out the two next. It now no longer tries to maintain its uneasy position, but leans towards the water; gets near it, and places its feet upon it; the water is sufficiently firm and solid support for them, and is able to bear them, although burdened with the insect's body. As soon as the insect is thus on the water it is in safety; its wings are unfolded and dried, which is done sooner than it takes to tell it, at length the gnat is in a position to use them, and it is soon seen to fly away, particularly if one tries to catch it."
Fig. 31.—Eggs of the Gnat, magnified.
One more word about the gnat, whose life is full of such interesting details.
The reader will perhaps not feel much pleasure in learning that the fecundity of these insects is extraordinary. Many generations are born in a single year, each generation requiring only three weeks or a month to arrive at a condition to bring forth a new generation. Thus, the number of gnats which comes into existence in the courseof a year is something fearful. Only a few days after the pupæ in a bucket are transformed into gnats, eggs which have been left by the females may be observed on the surface of the water in little clusters.
Many species of gnats, known as mosquitoes, are to be found in America. All travellers speak of the sufferings endured by a stranger in that country from the bites of these insects. One can only preserve oneself from these cruel enemies during sleep by hanging gauze, called a mosquito curtain, round the bed. Mosquito curtains are not only necessary in America; during the hot season, in Spain, throughout the whole of Italy, and a part of the south of France, it is necessary to hang these curtains round the bed, if one wishes to obtain any sleep; it is also a necessary precaution not to have a light in one's bedchamber, as the sight of it at once attracts these dangerous companions, whose buzzing and stinging prevent any possibility of repose during the whole night. Such is our advice to people who travel in the above-mentioned countries.
TheTipulidæhave a narrow, elongated abdomen, and long and slight limbs. The head is round, and the eyes, which are compound, are, especially in the males, very large. The wings, which are long and narrow, are sometimes held wide apart, sometimes horizontally, and sometimes bent so as to form, as it were, a roof. The balancers are naked and elongated; the abdomen long, cylindrical, and often terminating in a club in the male, and in a point in the female. The antennæ, which are longer than the head, are generally composed of from fourteen to sixteen joints, and are sometimes in the form of a comb or saw, sometimes furnished with hair, in form of plumes, bunches, or in a whorl. The larvæ live on plants, in the fields, in gardens, and sometimes in woods. The perfect insects, at first sight, resemble gnats, but are without a trunk, or rather their trunk is extremely short, terminating in two large lips, and the sucker is composed of two fibres only.[12]The larger species ofTipulæ, which are commonly known as "Daddy Longlegs," &c., and in France as "Tailleurs" and "Couturières," are found in fields at the end of September and commencement of October.
"Although they sometimes fly a considerable distance," says Réaumur, "when the sun is bright and hot, they generally do not go far; often, indeed, only along the ground, or rather the top of the grass. Sometimes they only use their wings to keep them above the level of the herbage, and to take them along. Their legs, particularly the hind ones, are disproportionately large. They are three times the length of the body, and are to these insects what stilts are to the peasants of marshy and inundated countries, enabling them to pass with ease over the higher blades of grass."
One of the smaller species has been termedculiciformis, on account of its resemblance to the gnat. The smaller are more active than the larger species which we have mentioned. Not only do they fly more rapidly, but there are some kinds which are continually on the wing. In all seasons, even during the winter, at certain hours of the day, clouds of small insects are seen in the air, which are taken for gnats: they areTipulæ. Their flight is worthy of attention; they generally only rise and fall in the same vertical line. All these flies come from larvæ, which resemble very elongated worms, having scaly heads, generally furnished with two very small conical antennæ, and certain other organs, for the purpose of obtaining food. Their bodies are jointed without limbs, but nevertheless provided with appendages which supply their place. The larvæ of the various species are of very different habits. Some are aquatic, as that ofTipula culiciformis, a small species which is very numerous in stagnant waters.
It is necessary to say a few words about these worm-like larvæ, which are extremely common. They are of a brilliant red colour, and inhabit little oblong bent masses of earth, thickly pierced with holes. Each hole allows a worm to extend its head, and the foremost part of its body, out of the cell, which is made of light spongy matters, remains of decayed leaves, &c. These larvæ are transformed into pupæ, in the cell in which they have lived, during the larvæ state, losing by this metamorphosis the scaly coverings of the head and of all the exterior parts. They pass into the pupa state, and have the thorax provided with dainty plumes, which probably assist in the action of respiration. This pupa is very active and quick in its movements in the water. When the moment comes for its last metamorphosis, it throws off its feathery covering in much the same manner as the gnat.
Fig. 32representsTipula oleraceain the different stages of larva, pupa, and perfect insect.
Fig. 32.—Daddy Longlegs (Tipula oleracea).
Other species of smallTipulæhave aquatic larvæ very similar to those which we have described. Réaumur remarked that each of these worms is lodged in a thick mass, convex at the top, formed of a transparent and adhesive white jelly. The larvæ of the largerTipulæare not aquatic, but are of different habits, and live under the ground; all soil which is not frequently turned is suitable to them, but they are to be found especially in low damp meadows.
Réaumur saw large districts of grassy swamps in Poictou, which, in certain years, furnished very little grass for the cattle, on account of the ravages caused by these larvæ. They had also much injured the harvest in the same districts during those years.
These larvæ appear to require no other food than vegetable mould. Their excrements are, in fact, according to Réaumur,nothing else than dried earth, from which the stomach and intestines of the insect have withdrawn all nourishing matter.
Old trees have often hollow cavities occasioned by the decay of the trunk. When these cavities are old, their lower parts are full of a sort of mould, which is in fact half-decayed wood. It is there that theTipulæoften lay their eggs. Réaumur frequently found the larvæ in the trunks of elms or willows, and also in the fleshy parts of certain kinds of mushrooms. He carefully observed the habits of one, which lived under the covering of a mushroom, the Oak agaric (Agaricus quercinus). This larva is round, grey, and resembles an earth-worm. It does not walk, but crawls; and the places where it stops, or which it passes over, are covered with a sort of brilliant slime, like that left by the snail or slug.
M. Guérin-Méneville has published some very interesting remarks on the migrations of the larvæ of a particular kind ofTipula, known by the name ofSciara. We will borrow from that entomologist the following curious details, which will initiate us into one of the most wonderful phenomena in the whole history of insects. These small larvæ are without feet, hardly five lines in length, and about the third of a line in diameter. They are composed of thirteen segments, and have small black heads.
In some years, during the month of July, may be found on the borders of forests in Norway and Hanover, immense trains of these larvæ, formed by the union of an innumerable quantity fixed to each other by a sticky substance. These collections of larvæ resemble some sort of strange animal of serpent-like form, several feet long, one or two inches in thickness, and formed by the union of an immense number, which cling to each other by thousands, and move on together. The whole society advances thus with one accord, leaving a track after it on the ground, as a material indication of its presence.
These strange collections of living creatures form societies, sometimes only a few yards long; but at other times it happens that they form bands from ten to twelve yards in length, of the breadth of a hand and the thickness of a thumb. M. Guérin-Méneville observed columns as many as thirty yards in length. These troops advance as slowly as a snail, and in a certain direction. If they encounter an obstacle—as a stone, for instance—they cross over it, turn round it, or else divide into two sections, which reunite after the obstacle is passed. If a portion of the column be removed so as to divide it into two parts, it is quickly reunited, as the hindmost portion soon joins that which precedes it. Lastly, if the posterior part of thisliving ribbon be brought into contact with the anterior, a circle is formed, which turns round and round on the same ground for a long time, sometimes even for a whole day, before breaking, and continuing to advance. They are never met with in bad weather, but only when the sun is warm.
The curious and astonishing phenomenon of an assembly of larvæ without feet, advancing with an equal movement resulting from the individual motion of thousands of little worms, was remarked for the first time, in 1603, by Gaspard Schwenefelt. This naturalist says that the inhabitants of Siberia consider this phenomenon as an indication of a bad harvest if they go towards the mountains; whereas, if they descend towards the plains, it is the sign of a good one. In 1715 Jonas Ramus mentioned the same phenomenon, recalling a superstition attached to it by the peasants of Norway. This writer informs us that the peasants of that country, on meeting one of these moving columns, throw down their belts or waistcoats on the ground before it. If theorme-drag(that is the name given to the moving column) crosses over this obstacle, it is a good sign; but on the other hand, if the column turns round the obstacle, instead of crossing it, some mischief may be expected.
The same animals were observed in 1845 at Birkenmore, near Hefeld, by M. Rande, Royal Inspector of the Forests of Hanover.
M. Guérin-Méneville is of opinion that these larvæ, which exist in great numbers in certain districts, sometimes devour all the nutritive substances contained in the ground. After having done so, they are obliged to come out of it, in order to seek at a distance a place where they will find food, or perhaps only a suitable place to undergo their metamorphosis. It is then that this singular journey commences. As regards the uniting of these myriads of individuals into columns, M. Guérin-Méneville thinks that it can be explained by the necessity these insects feel for mutual protection against the drying effect of the atmosphere when they are forced to leave the ground. United into masses, and moistened by the glutinous matter which connects them, they can leave their former place of abode without danger; if each were by itself, they would soon perish. Here, as in other cases, union is strength; and the strength of these larvæ lies in this protecting moisture. However it may be explained, the migration of these troops of insects are among the most astonishing phenomena of Nature.
Brachycera.
The Brachycera, from βραχυς, "short;" and κερας, "a horn"—these Diptera having short antennæ—are divided into four groups. In this subdivision the sucker is composed of six bristles. Amongst other families it includes that of theTabanidæ; the insects belonging to which family are of remarkable strength, and possessed of daring and courage in the highest degree. Their wings are provided with powerful muscles, their feet are very strong, and their trunk is provided with six flat, sharp lancets. Distributed over the entire world, their instinct is everywhere the same, it is the desire for blood, at least in the females; for the males are not so warlike, they do no harm, but live on the juices of flowers. They are chiefly found in woods and pastures, and during the hottest part of the day in summer may be seen flying about seeking for their prey.
M. de Saint-Fargeau has described the manner in which the males fly. They may be seen flying hither and thither in the glades of woods, remaining for some time suspended in the air, then darting quickly and suddenly away a yard or two, again taking up the same immovable position, and in each of these movements turning the head to the opposite way from that in which they are going. This naturalist is certain that on these occasions they are watching for the females, which they dart upon. When they have succeeded in doing so, they rise so high as to be out of sight.
To this group belongs the genusTabanus.
The first species we shall mention,Tabanus autumnalis(Fig. 33), a common species, is eight or nine lines in length, and of blackish colour. The palpi, the face, and the forehead are grey; the antennæ black; the thorax grey, striped with brown; the abdomen spotted with yellow; the legs of a yellowish white; and the outer edge of the wings brown.
Another species (Tabanus bovinus) is twelve lines in length, and of a blackish brown. The palpi, the face, and the forehead are yellow; the antennæ black, with a whitish base; the thorax, covered with yellow hair, is striped with black; the posterior edge of the segments of the abdomen pale yellow; the legs yellowish, with the extremities black, and the exterior edge of the wings yellow. This species is frequently met with in woods.
A third species,Chrysops cæcutiens(Fig. 34), which belongs to the same family, and of which the generic nameChrysopssignifies golden-eyed, torments horses and cattle very much by biting them round the eyes. Its thorax is of a yellowish colour, striped or spotted with black; the abdomen yellow, and the eyes golden.
In the next group of the Brachycera the sucker is composed offour bristles, and the antennæ generally terminate in a point which appears to be rather a development than an appendage.
This group includes a number of genera, but the following only possess sufficient interest to claim our attention. From theTanystomæwe select the families of theAsilidæ,Empidæ, andBombylidæ. As types of theBrachystomæwe select theLeptidæandSyrphidæ.
The chief characteristic of theAsilidæis strength. All their organs combine to produce this quality, which they display only too much, being as formidable to cattle as theTabani, but even surpassing those insects in natural cruelty.
TheAsilidæunceasingly attack other insects, and even those of their own kind. Their trunk is strong; one of the fibres of the sucker is furnished with small points, turned back, which are intended to hold firmly to the body into which it has entered. They carry on their devastations in the glades of woods and on sunny roads.
We will mention in this groupAsilus crabroniformis(Fig. 35), an insect ten to twelve lines long, having a yellow head, black antennæ, and thorax of a brownish yellow. The three first segments of the abdomen are black, the second and third having a white spot on each side, the remaining segments are yellow. The wings are yellowish, spotted with black on the inner and hind margin. This species is common over the whole of Europe, and lives at the expense of caterpillars and other insects, of which it sucks the blood with the greatest voracity.
TheEmpidælive in the same way as theAsilidæ, but the males are chiefly nourished by the juices of flowers.
"They wage war on other insects," says M. Macquart, in his "Histoire Naturelle des Diptères," "either when flying or running, and they seize their victims with their feet, which are formed in various ways, and well adapted for their purpose, but it is in the air that their hunting, as well as their amours, chiefly take place. They unite together in numerous companies, which during fine summer evenings whirl like gnats about the water's edge. A singular observation, however, that I have made on theEmpis, is, that among the thousands of pairs that I have seen resting on hedges and bushes, nearly all the females were occupied in sucking an insect; some had hold of smallPhryganeæ,[13]others ofEphemeræ,[14]and the greater part ofTipulæ."
TheEmpidæhave the trunk bent down, and resembling the beak of a bird; but theBombylidæ, on the contrary, have the trunk extended straight in front.
The typical genus which has given its name to this latter group is easily to be recognised by the elegance of the fur which covers its body, the slenderness of its feet, and the length of its wings, which extend horizontally on each side of the body.
Much more common in hot climates than in the North, these insects, the larvæ of which are not yet known, take flight in the middle of the day, when the sun's rays are hottest. They fly very fast, making a dull buzzing sound, and hover over flowers, from which they draw the juices without settling.
Fig. 36represents theBombylius major, which is common enough throughout the whole of Europe. This insect is from four to six lines long, black, with yellow fur; the feet light yellow; and the wings have the edges bordered with a sinuous brown band.
The genusAnthrax, belonging to this family, has a different form toBombylius. The body is much less hairy; the trunk is short and concealed in the mouth; the wings, which are very large, are clothed, at least in the principal genus, in a garb of mourning, sufficiently remarkable, in which the combinations of black and white are admirably diversified.
"Here," says M. Macquart, "the line which separates the two colours is straight; there it represents gradations, in other cases it is deeply sinuous. Sometimes the dark part shows transparent points, or the glassy part dark spots. This sombre garb, added to the velvet black of the body, gives the Anthrax a most elegant appearance;and while resting on the corolla of the honeysuckle and hawthorn to suck the juice, forms a most striking contrast, and sets forth its beauty no less than that of those lovely flowers."
Anthrax sinuatais common in Europe.
The family of theSyrphidæincludes three remarkable types, which we cannot pass over in silence. They areVermileo,Volucella, andHelophilus.
Vermileo de Geeri(Fig. 37), which inhabits the central and southern parts of France, is four or five lines in length. Its face is white; its forehead grey, bordered with black; the thorax of a yellowish grey, with four brown stripes in the male; the abdomen light yellow, spotted with black; and the wings glassy.
The larva of theVermileohas a thin cylindrical body, capable of bending itself in every direction; a conical head, armed with two horny points; and the last segment elongated, flat, elevated, and terminated by four hairy tentacles; at the sides of the fifth segment may be observed a little angle, from which projects a horny retractile point.
It is of very singular habits. It makes a small tunnel in the sand, having a conical mouth, where it waits, like the spider, immovable. As soon as an insect falls into the hole, it raises its head, and squeezing its prey in the folds of its body, devours it, and afterwards throws out the skin. It lives in this way for at least three years before attaining the perfect state.
TheVolucellæ(Fig. 38) have a strong resemblance to the humble-bee. Certain kinds make use and abuse of this resemblance to introduce themselves fraudulently into its nests, and to deposit theireggs therein. When these eggs have hatched, the larvæ, which have the mouth armed with two mandibles, devour the larvæ of their hosts, the bees. This is the return they make for the hospitality they have received!