Fam. Tachinidæ.

This is an extensive family, the members varying more or less in size; they abound in various situations, some in barren localities, others upon the inflorescences and leaves of plants; they are parasitic, at certain stages of development, upon the larvæ of other insects, thus being invaluable factors in the destruction of injurious species.

Macquartia subtilis.

Not common. This species was captured on a hillside near the bush at Taieri Mouth one very sunny day in December (1907).

Calcager turbidum

A single specimen was captured amongst long grass in the evening, at Roslyn, February (1909), and another on the sandhills at Ocean Beach during May of the same year.

Hystricia lupina.

Very common on the tree-trunks of the bush at Taieri Mouth, December (1907), but I only found a single specimen on a flax-leaf at Tomahawk, October (1908).

Hystricia pachyprocta.

Captured in large numbers, together with the preceding, at Taieri Mouth, December (1907). I obtained another specimen at Mount Cargill, February (1909).

Occisor versutus.

Not common. I have only a single specimen, which was captured on Mount Cargill during February (1909).

Proscissio cana.

Not common. Specimens captured during December (1908) at Barewood, Central Otago.