CHAPTER VIII. 

 &Ijc (frtbojjtcru. 



This Order, although including a comparatively small 

 number of species, comprises some of the largest and 

 most conspicuous insects inhabiting New Zealand, many 

 of them reminding one of the denizens of the tropics in 

 their gigantic size and striking appearance. They may be 

 conveniently divided into the three following groups : — 

 The Aquatic group, or those whose larvae inhabit the water, 

 including the Dragonflies, Mayflies, and Perlidae ; the 

 Terrestrial group, including all the typical Orthoptera, Ter- 

 mites, and Mallophaga ; and the Euplexoptera, including 

 the Earwigs. We start our observations with the Aquatic 

 group, as these exhibit the greatest affinity with the 

 Neuroptera. 



Aquatic Group. 



Family LIBELLULID.E. 1 



Uropetala carovei (Plate XV., fig. I £ , ia larva.) 



This magnificent insect occurs in all swampy situations 



during January and February, when it may be seen 



dashing about with amazing rapidity intent on catching 



1 The Libelhilidcc, Ephemerida, Pcrlidcc, Psocidce, and Termitida 

 are usually included in the Neuropteria. 



