Order ODONATA. 



The Odonata or dragon flies are not of economic importance, none of them 

 feeding upon growing vegetation. The adults are all more or less predatory, 

 feeding largely upon mosquitoes and other small flies, whence they are termed 

 "mosquito hawks" Their long, slender bodies, narrow, long net-veined 

 wings, large head, with prominent immense eyes, give them a fierce appear- 

 ance which has earned for them the names "snake doctor," "devil's darning- 

 needles," &c, as well as a crop of fables concerning their destructive powers. 

 As a matter of fact they are quite harmless, incapable not only of stinging or 

 pinching, but even, because of the peculiar mouth structure, of biting except 

 on a projecting point or edge They fly during the day, generally along water 

 courses or over ponds, ditches or other bodies of water, and they may be 

 frequently observed copulating and darting at intervals to the surface to enable 

 the female to drop a load of eggs. 



Some species crawl down reeds or grasses beneath the surface of the water to 

 oviposit. The larvae live on the bottom of creeks, brooks or ponds, in mud or 

 among vegetation, and they feed upon whatever smaller soft-bodied creatures 

 they can get hold of. They are sluggish in general habit and enabled to get 

 their prey by means of a peculiar hinged mouth-structure. 



The insects are of the greatest interest in all stages ; but, as already noted, 

 they are not in any way of importance to the farmer. They are certainly not 

 injurious ; but their predatory habits are such that they are not markedly 

 beneficial or useful, either. 



Fig. 30. — The transformation of a dragon fly. J, larva with its jaws extended ; .', pupa shell from which 



the adult has issued ; >', active pupa capturing its prey : 4, pupa on stalk, ready 



to transform ; 5, adult dragon fly. 



5 ENT 



(65) 



