PRELIMINARY NOTES ON THE ODONATA. 99 
tame, alighting not merely on the net but also on the hand and arm 
and all over the clothing.” The writer has found this species, much 
less common and far more wary, in northern Iowa. 
L. pulchella Drury. The records of this largest and most common 
Libellula are far too numerous to list here. Males and females in all 
conditions have been taken at Mankato, Alden, Lake Madison, Min- 
neapolis, St. Paul, Hastings, Red Wing and Winona by Wilson, Miss 
Holgersen and the writer from June to September. It is as much to 
Fig. 15. Libellula pulchella on mullen stalk in pasture. These dragon flies have 
been repeatedly observed industriously catching flies which 
attack stock. Photo by A. D. Wheden. 
be expected about every pond and stream as is the usual vegetation. 
It feeds quite constantly upon Diptera and undoubtedly destroys hosts 
of small and medium-sized flies. On capturing the prey, the dragon- 
fly kills it by piercing with its sharp mandibles; it is then rolled rapidly 
over and over by means of the feet and spiny legs, while the jaws 
are kept constantly busy clipping and crushing until only a pulpy ball 
remains. This is rapidly devoured, the time required being from one to 
two minutes, and the insect is off again after another victim. 
