The Bombyliidæ of the Ethiopian Region: Based on Material in the British Museum (Natural History)

Abstract

THE Bombyliidse are a large and highly interesting family of Diptera, and the present monograph forms an important contribution to our knowledge of these insects. In placing the preparation of the volume in the hands of Prof. Bezzi, a wise choice has been exercised, since that author is well known as one of the leading dipterists of to-day. The book is based upon material submitted to him by the British Museum and the Imperial Bureau of Entomology as well as from the Museums in Cape Town, Buda-Pest, and Genoa, and also from Messrs. Alluaud and Jeannel in Paris. This wealth of specimens, together with those in the author's own collection, has made it possible to produce a monograph of great value. In addition to diagnostic keys and descriptions, all available biological data, however scanty, is included under each species together with notes on the known life-histories. It is hoped that, with the aid to identification thus provided, African entomologists will be stimulated to study the remarkable metamorphoses of these insects. Their larvae are all parasites and have a wide range of hosts. The unexpected discoveryof Thridanthraxabruptus parasitising the puparia of tsetse-flies is but a bare indication of what awaits investigation in the Ethiopian region. The book is admirably printed and illustrated, while the revision of the English manuscript by Major Austen has ensured this arduous task being carried out capably.

The Bombyliidæ of the Ethiopian Region: Based on Material in the British Museum (Natural History).

Mario

Bezzi

By. Pp. viii + 390: 46 text-figs. (London: British Museum (Natural History), 1924.) 32s. 6d.