KELLICOTT, 91 



drawn from the anal angle to the fourth antecubital. 

 Different specimens vary in this respect, in some the 

 dark marking is slightly reduced while in others it is ex- 

 tended. This characteris constant in Maine specimens, 

 kindly loaned me by C. C. Adams, in New York speci- 

 mens and in Indiana specimens, so that, in none I have 

 seen is there necessity of confusion with cynosura. 



Taken at Columbus and observed at Delaware, in 

 May. 



SEVENTH SUB-FAMILY. 



LIBELLULIN.-E. 



Twenty-eight species of Ohio dragonflies fall under 

 this sub-family. They are second to the AGRIONIN^ 

 when number of species is considered, but are b3^ far the 

 most conspicuous forms oTour odonat fauna in all situ- 

 ations, especially during the summer season. Stagnant 

 pools and ponds, skirted by sedges, cat tails and water 

 lilies are especiall3^ attractive to them. Here the males 

 fly back and forth, catching small insects for food, and 

 searching for the females. While pursuing this appar- 

 ent pleasure many of them sacrifice their lives to 

 satisfy the greedy appetite of the king bird who 

 perches himself on a branch of a nearby tree where he 

 can view the proceedings and swoop down whenever he 

 is sure he can procure a dragonfly for his trouble. 

 Presently at your feet you observe the female with 

 wings almost motionless, waving up and down, and 

 at each downw^ard movement, striking the tip of her 

 abdomen on the surface of the water. She is oviposit- 

 ing. If with a water net a quantity of the debris near 

 the bank be procured a dozen or more nymphs of 

 various stages are usually included. Thus one might 

 seat himself and write out nearly a full life history of a 

 dragonfly from the material of a few minute's 

 collecting. 



