Figure 49 



HOW TO KNOW THE INSECTS 



12b Not as in 12a 13 



13a Head prolonged Into a trunk-like beak with chewing mouth- 

 parts at its tip. (Scorpion flies) Fig. 49. 



Order XXII, MECOPTERA 



Fig. 49. Panorpa venosa 

 Westw. 



Head light reddish brown; 

 eyes, bodies and markings on 

 wings dark brown. Length about 

 15 nun. 



It Is the turned up claspers 

 on the end of the abdomen of the 

 male of some species that give 

 these Insects the name Scorpion 

 Files. Of course, they do not 

 sting. Only a few species are 

 known for Iowa and not much Is known about them. 



13b Not as in 13a 14 



14a Antennae short and inconspicuous; long slender insects with 

 long narrow wings. (Damsel flies, dragon flies) Figs. 50 and 

 67 to 72. Order V, ODONATA p. 50 



Fig. 50. Llbellula pulchella 

 Drury 



Blackish brown. Thorax with 

 two yellow stripes on each 

 side, abdomen with yellow 

 stripe on each side, whitish 

 in old males. Wing spots 

 black or dark brown. Males 

 with chalk white spots on wing 

 also. One of our most common 

 species, about 46 mm. 



The Dragon Files and Damsel 

 Files are always of Interest. 

 They have been given many pop- 

 ular names and a mass of sup- 

 erstition Is built about them. They are wholly Inoffensive to 

 man. The adults live on mosqultos and other small Insects taken 

 from the air. The nymphs are ravenous highwaymen that waylay any 

 creature of their own size that comes along In the water. Insects 

 and young fish doubtless make up most of their food. 



14b Antennae readily seen 15 



15a Abdomen usually with two short tails (a). Back wings much 

 broader than front wings and folded lengthwise. (Stone flies) 

 Fig. 51. 



Order 111, PLECOPTERA 



Figure 50, 



43 



