130 



BRANCH ARTHROPODA 



The four finely netted membranous wings of the adult dragon- 

 fly are long, narrow, strong, and nearly equal. If unequal, the 

 posterior wings are the larger. Each wing has a joint-like struc- 

 ture near the middle of the front margin. Their mouth parts 



Fig. 100. Dragon-flies in the larval, pupal, and imago state. 

 (After Tenney.) 



are adapted for biting. Their compound eyes are very large 

 and the antennae short. The metamorphosis is incomplete. 

 The eggs are laid in water or attached to aquatic plants. 

 They soon hatch, and the larvae (Fig. 100), called nymphs, 

 live a predatory existence. They lie in wait for their prey. 



