2i2 ZOOLOGY. 



ORDER IV. 



NEUROPTERA. 



This order is distinguished by possessing four transparent 

 reticulated wings, and the tail being unarmed ; most of the 

 insects in this family are aquatic, residing in the water during 

 their immature state, and resorting thereto in their perfect 

 state. 



1. Libellula. Dr agon-Fly. Antennce short ; mouth fur- 



nished with several jaws ; wings expanded ; tail termi- 

 nated in the male insect by a forked process. 



This genus is very voracious, they are found flying over, 

 or in the vicinity of stagnant waters ; their larvae is six 

 footed, very active, and ferocious, furnished with an articu- 

 lated forcipated mouth ; the pupa resembles the larvce, but 

 has the rudiments of wings ; they feed on aquatic insects, 

 and when mature on any winged insect they can overcome, 

 generally taking their prey on wing. 



2. Ephemera, Dat-Flv. Mouth without teeth or feelers | 



siemmata two, very large, situated above the eyes ; 

 wings erect, the upper pair considerably the largest j 

 tail terminating in long hair or bristles. 



In the mature state, this is one of the shortest lived ani- 

 mals, seldom surviving more than a day, in «orae species but 



