of the Dragon Fly, 519 



ascribed to the dragon flies in their every state, larva, pupa, 

 and imago. In proof of this, in their larva or pupa state, I 

 have one instance to relate ; and this instance will also cor- 

 roborate the remark quoted by Kirby and Spence from De 

 Geer, viz. : — " De Geer says it is very difficult for other 

 insects to elude their attacks ; and that he has even seen 

 them devour very small fishes." While walking one day, in 

 the spring of 1829, round the aquarium in the Cambridge 

 Botanic Garden, examining the aquatic plants there, in com- 

 pany with Mr. Biggs, the curator of the garden, and a third 

 person, our attention was arrested by a circular movement in 

 the water. On looking to it, we instantly perceived that a 

 pretty strong larva of a dragon fly had captured a stickleback, 

 and that the mutual struggles of the two produced the gyratory 

 motion mentioned. This continued for some little time, and 

 within about 6 in. of the surface of the water. As the fish 

 became exhausted, both began to descend in a spiral manner ; 

 and the scene ended with us in the fish being laid on its side 

 on the mud at the bottom, and the larva of the dragon fly 

 still retaining its hold. 



In the annexed cut (Jig. 98.), in the pupa (marked h\ a 

 peculiar appendage to the head will be perceived : this and 

 its uses will be best explained by a quotation from Kirby and 

 Spence's Introd.^ from the pages above indicated, whither the 

 reader is referred for a more detailed technical explanation 

 than space will allow to be given here. The larvae and pupae 

 of dragon flies " are furnished with two pair of strong jaws, 

 covered by a kind of mask, armed with a pair of forceps or 

 claws, which the animal has the power of pushing from it to 

 catch any thing at a distance. While the animal is at rest, 

 this mask applies to and covers the face ; but, when it would 

 make use of it, it unfolds the mask like an arm, catches the 

 prey at which it aims by means of the mandibuliform plates, 

 and then partly refolds the mask, so as to hold the prey to 

 the mouth in a convenient position for the operation of its 

 two pair of jaws. Reaumur once found one of them thus 

 holding and devouring a large tadpole." 



In the same work, also, it is remarked (vol. iiL p. 1 J 7.) : — 

 " In the larvae of the dragon flies (Libellula Z/.), and other 

 Neuroptera, the eyes are composed of many facets [was " as 

 many facets " meant to be said ?J as in those of the perfect 

 insect, from which they differ chiefly in being smaller." The 

 remarks and diagrams by Mr. Parsons, on the eyes of the 

 common or grey dragon fly, given in Vol. IV. p. 221 — 224. 

 of this Magazine, may be profitably studied in connection 

 with the present article. 



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