NEUROPTERA. 127 



with a history like that of the Beetles, i.e., living an 

 active life in the first stage of their existence, and a 

 quiescent in the second ; whilst others, like the Earwigs 

 and Grasshoppers, are active in both these stages, under- 

 going a less marked metamorphosis. 



As a general rule (but one not quite without exception), 

 the imperfect series of changes, i.e., that in which all 

 states are active, is found in such of the neuropterous in- 

 sects as have their wings either always expanded (as some 

 of the Dragonflies : raised above the body when at rest, 

 in other Dragonflies and Mayflies), or lying flat on the 

 back. This perfect series of changes, i.e., that in which 

 the pupa? are inactive, contains such insects as have the 

 wings, when at rest, deflexed lying over the body like a 

 shelving roof. The Lacefly is an instance of this.* 



The Dragonflies are perhaps the most universally 

 known of all these insects, one or other species being 

 nearly always to be met with in the neighbourhood of 

 water, whilst the large size and powerful flight of some, 

 the exquisite form and colouring of others, cannot fail 

 to excite attention. They are even a common object 

 of alarm, and are not unfrequently called " horse- 

 stingers," and believed to be dangerous in their powers 

 of biting and stinging. The truth, however, is that 

 they are all of them (in common with the rest of their 

 order) totally destitute of any instrument with which a 

 sting could be inflicted, and as to biting, one of the 

 largest and most powerful Dragonflies, after long and 

 persevering efforts, and under the constraint and provo- 

 cation of being held to one spot by force, in order to 



* Psocus, having an active pupa and roof-like wings ; and Panorpa, 

 having an inactive pupa and wings lying flat, are exceptions. 



