OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CLASS — INSECTA 173 



are found those annoying insects known as cockroaches. 

 They are often troublesome because they get into places 

 where it is not pleasant to us to have them and at the same 

 time eat nearly everything they can find. The eggs of a 

 cockroach are laid all at a time in a sort of pod or capsule 

 (Fig. 112). 



The mantes are common in the' South, and are known as 

 " praying mantes," or " mule killers." The term " pray- 

 ing " comes from the apparently devout attitude assumed 

 by the insect. The 

 eggs are laid in clus- 

 ters on the branches 

 of trees or in other 

 convenient places. 

 The clusters are 

 large, usually whitish 

 in color, and have 

 the appearance of 

 being braided on top 

 (Fig. 113). The 

 mantes are preda- 

 cious upon certain 



injurious insects and ^"'- us. -Praying mantis, and cluster of eggs. 



for this reason they should be protected. 



Dragon flies. — The dragon flies constitute the order 

 Odonata, and are characterized by two pairs of long, netted- 

 veined wings and large eyes. The hind wings are as large 

 or larger than the front ones; the mouth parts are constructed 

 for biting and the metamorphosis is incomplete. 



These are the large graceful insects that are so abundant 

 around ponds and along the shores of lakes and streams. 

 They are known as " devil's darning needles," " snake 



