30 THE LIFE-STORY OF INSECTS [CH. 



days after emergence the cuticle of the dragon-fly 

 has a dull pair hue. ;i- compared with the dark or 

 brightly metallic aspect that characterises it when 



Fig. 8 c. Dragon-fly emerged, wings expanding. 

 From Latter's Natural History. 



fully mature. The life of the imago endures but a 

 short time compared with the long aquatic larval 

 and nymphal stages. After some weeks, or at most 



