Winter Gnats (Trichocera)

Abstract

THE winter gnat (Trichocera hiemalis, D. G.) is one of the subjects of phenological observations undertaken by the Meteorological Society. Its appearance directly after long-continued frost, often whilst the thaw is in progress, has frequently led entomologists to inquire whether the insects then seen have been hybernating during the cold weather, or have newly emerged from the pupa. No evidence has been adduced in support of either alternative. Some facts concerning the habits of the fly, noted as opportunity occurred during the last two winters, bear upon the matter in question, and may therefore be of interest to both the above classes of your readers. The name Trichocera hiemalis is used here in its meteorological sense, for nobody would pretend to distinguish this abundant species at a distance from the common T. regelationis.