DEAGON-FLIES. 



259 



Dragon-plies (Odonata). 



The Dragon-flies are all carnivorous, feeding off butterflies 

 and moths when adult, and upon various water insects when in 

 the larval stage. The adults have large eyes, these often occupy- 

 ing the greater part of the head. They are provided with very 



Fig. 134. — Dragon-flies. 



A, A Dragon-fly (jEsclma grandis), partly dissected ; b, larva ; c, pupa ; d, head of 

 LibellvXa dejpressa, fc, Head ; t to (", thoracic segioents ; a, abdomen ; an, antennee ; 

 «, e, eyes ; m, jaws ; /, upper lip. (Nicholson.) 



powerful mouths. Their wings are usually transparent, and 

 have a number of mesh-like veins. The legs have a series of 

 spines upon them. Dragon -flies are most useful as insect 

 destroyers. Each individual seems to have a hunting-ground 



