CHAPTER VI. 

 Order ODONATA (Od-o-na'ta). 



The Dragon-flies. 



The members of this order have four membranous wings, 

 which arc finely netted with veins ; the hind wings are as large 

 or larger than the fore wings ; and each wing has near the 

 middle of the front margin a joint-like structure, the nodus. 

 The mouth-parts are formed for biting: The metamorphosis is 

 incomplete. 



The name of this order is evidently from the Greek word 

 odous, a tooth ; but the reason for applying it to these 

 insects is obscure. 



FIG. 97. Libellula basalis. 



The Odonata are easily recognized by the form ot their 

 wings, which are long, narrow, and powerful ; and, possess 

 near the middle of the front margin of each a little notch 



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