Che Canadian Entomologtst. 
MOTN LONDON, ONT., NOVEMBER, 1873. No. 11 
ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 
—— 
9. THE DRAGON FLY—Libeliula trimaculata, DeGeer. 
BY J. WILLIAMS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 
This insect belongs to the order Neuroptera, which term signifies 
nerve-veined, so called in consideration of the netted structure of the 
wings. The members of the particular family (Zibellulide) to which our 
specimen belongs, rival many of the Butterflies in their graceful shapes 
and brilliant colouring, while they excel them in rapidity of flight. These 
insects have received various popular names in different countries—the 
French call them Demoiselles, the Germans Florfliegen or Gauze-flies, or 
Wasserjungfern or Virgins of the Water, while the English style them 
Dragon-flies, Horse-stingers or Devils Darning-needles. The English 
terms, although lesss poetical than those of our European friends, are, we 
believe, in a measure, more appropriate to the private character of these 
insects, who fully earn the title of Dragon-flies, although they are not 
Horse-stingers ; of the third title we can say nothing. 
Our specimen, Zibellula trimaculata (fig. 19) when full grown, may 
Fig. 19. L 
be described as follows :—The body is much elongated and cylindrical, 
and attains a length of two inches, in average specimens. The head is 
