COMPLETE ARMOUR OF DRAGON-FLY LARVA. 177 



coronet, composed of five hard bristle-like pieces, 

 which are under the control of the creature, and 

 may be opened and closed at pleasure. The 

 larva appears capable of inflicting a somewhat 

 painful pinch by this contrivance, so that, what 

 with its wonderful mask, with its powerful squirt, 

 and with its tail thus armed, it would be difficult 

 to select another insect better prepared for battle 

 with creatures of every aquatic tribe than it. 

 The action of the pumping apparatus sends it 

 rapidly forward through the water, somewhat like 

 a paddle-wheel, or at least upon the same principle 

 as that contrivance, namely, the resistance offered 

 by the water to the stroke of this apparatus. 



N 



