Tipulidæ — Crane-flies
The larvæ of a species of Agaric-Gnat (Mycetophila) live in society, and emigrate in files in a very soldier-like manner. First goes one, next follow two, then three, etc., so as to exhibit a singular serpentine appearance. The common people of Germany call this file heerwurm, and, it is said, view them with great dread, regarding them as ominous of war.958
Maupertuis, in describing his ascent to Mount Pulinga, in Lapland, says: “They had to fell a whole wood of large trees, and the Flies (most probably Tipulidæ) attack’d ’em with that fury, that the very soldiers, tho’ harden’d to the greatest fatigues, were obliged to rap up their faces, or cover them with tar. These insects poison’d their victuals, for no sooner was a dish serv’d, but it was quite covered with them.”959 Maupertuis, in another place, says: “These Flies make Lapland less tolerable in the summer than the cold does in the winter.”960 The severity with which the Tipulidæ torment the Laplanders is attested also by Acerby,961 Linnæus,962 De Geer,963 and Reaumur.964