INSECTS 



51 



allow of rapidity of movement coupled with accuracy of aim, 

 and hence no creature can compare with them for neatness in 

 capturing winged prey. They are beautiful creatures their 

 long, slender bodies often exquisitely coloured. As one might 

 expect, the eyes play no small part in the physiognomy of the 

 dragon-fly. They practically take up the entire head, and 

 consist of two large compound eyes, often brilliantly coloured, 



CADDIS-FLIES 



1. Caddis-fly. 2. Caddis larva. 3. Caddis cases. 4. Pupa. 

 4 (a). Submerged cases on a rock. 



DRAGON-FLIES 



5. Dragon-fly. 6. Larva. 7, Larva showing mask. 



and in addition three simple eyes situated on the front of the 

 head. The prominent compound eyes assure the insect of a 

 large field of view, and that such is the case is proved by the 

 surprising dexterity with which a dragon-fly will twist and 

 turn in order to capture its prey, dodging and darting after 

 the unfortunate flies with that judgment that comes from 

 expert vision and perfect muscular control. The dragon-fly 

 has also the advantage of a singularly movable head, which is 



