33^ THE GREAT DRAGON-FLY. 



somewhat similar to the piston of a pump, sucks in 

 the water, and the dimensions of its body are visi- 

 bly augmented. This water is again quickly thrown 

 out by the same instrument. But, though this in- 

 sect thus respires water, air seems to be not the less 

 necessary to its existence: for, like other insects, 

 the whole interior part of its body is amply provided 

 with large and convoluted breathing pipes: and, 

 externally, there are several small openings destined 

 for the introduction of air. 



The mouth of the Dragon-fly is armed with jaws, 

 generally more than two in number. The antenna: 

 are very thin, of equal thickness throughout, and 

 shorter than the thorax. The wings are expanded, 

 and the tail of the male insect is furnished with a 

 forked process. 



, * 



THE GREAT DRAGON-FLY 



The length of this insect is about four inches, 

 and it is of proportionate thickness. The eyes are 

 blue and large. The thorax is variegated with 

 green, yellow, and black ; and the abdomen ge- 

 nerally with blue and black ; but the colours vary 

 considerably. 



This is, in its perfect state, one of the most bril- 

 liant of the British species, and affords a singular 

 instance of the wonderful diversity of form and man- 

 ners between the larva and complete states of the 

 same animal. 



* Synonyms. Libellula grandis. Linn.-— — x^Ealma grandis 



Fabricius .-—Great Libcllulaj variegated Libellula, 



