NEUROPTERA. 



419 



The pupa (Fig. 392) differs only from the larva (Fig. 391) in having 

 the rudiments of wings. When about to undergo their metamor- 

 phosis, they come out of the water and cling to plants, &c. The 

 skin cracks on the back when it is dry, and there comes out a heavy 

 insect, which flies feebly, and has opaque wings. It is still enveloped 

 in a very thin skin, of which a last moult, after a few hours, frees it. 

 This skin remains sticking to the plant on which the moulting was 

 effected, preserving the shape of the insect. This moult is peculiar 



I 



Fig. 391. — Larva of an Ephemera. 



Fig. 392.— Pupa of an Ephemem. 



:o the Ephemercc; it is the transition from the false imago (pseudo- 

 mago) to the imago. 



In the same family is the genus Cloeoii, whose larvK prey on 

 ninute insects. The CMon diptera (Fig. 393). which has only two 

 vings, is often to be met with in houses, resting on the window panes 

 uid curtains. All these insects keep badly in collections ; they lose 

 heir shape, and their members are so fragile that the least shock 

 iufiices to break them. -.i j - j 



The Libcilulas, or Dragon-Flies, are insects of a well-detmed type. 



B B 2 



