ORDER DON ATA 75 



case, their wings expanding rather slowly or gradually. In 

 about a half-hour they are ready for flight. 



Their very rapid movements and habits have given rise 

 to a number of common names. Aside from the dragon 

 fly they are called mosquito-hawks, which is quite appro- 

 priate on account of their feeding on mosquitoes. Sometimes 

 they are called snake feeders or snake doctors. In the 

 past the name devil's darning needle was quite popular, 

 although not used much at present. It was said that they 

 sewed up the ears of untruthful children. 



Fig. 36. — Dragon fly Libellula pukhella. (Photo by author.) 



These different common names illustrate different popular 

 interest in the group and forms of superstition. These 

 insects seemed to inspire a great deal of dread before their 

 life history and habits were known definitely. 



The group Odonata can be looked upon as being very 

 useful and serviceable to mankind, as they feed on destruc- 

 tive insects, mainly mosquitoes and many aquatic organisms. 

 Of course they feed on useful insects as well as detrimental 

 ones, but it is generally believed that the majority are detri- 

 mental ones. 



