130 



BRANCH AETHROPODA 



The four finely netted membranous wings of the adult dragon- 

 fly are long, narrow, strong, and nearly cciual. 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 liirval, pupal, and imago state. 

 (After Tcnney.) 



are adapted for biting. Their compomid eyes ar(> \-i'rv 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 larviE (Fig. 100), called nymphs, 

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



