ORDER V.—NET-WINGED INSECTS. 217 
other predaceous tribes of this order, to remind one how 
far these insects excel the Orthoptera in the number and 
variety of their instincts.” .... 
‘* Respectfully yours, 
“THADDEUS WiLLIAM HaRrgIs.” 
The Dragon-fly (Libellula). 
This is, perhaps, the most conspicuous genus of the order 
Figure (7. 

The Libellula. 
Neuroptera, and, as has been seen by the above letter of Dr. 
Harris, is regarded as the typical genus of the order. On 
account of the long and slender body, peculiar to the insects 
of this genus, they have sometimes been called Devil’s 
darning-needles, but more commonly Dragon-flies. The 
French call them Demoiselles, and the Germans Wasser- 
. jungfern (“ Virgins of the Water”). Their hind body is 
long, slender, and composed of ten rings. They have four 
transparent, membranaceous wings, which, although not so 
handsomely colored as those of butterflies, still are decided- 
ly pretty, many of them glistening like gold, and all resem- 
bling richly-embroidered gauze. Some species have brill- 
K 
