30 A GUIDE FOR THE STUDY OF ANIMALS 

 5. THE DRAGON FLY 



An Insect adapted to Aerial Life 



Materials. 



Mounted specimens of dragon flies, some moist preserved 

 specimens, living specimens if practicable, simple lenses. 



Observations. 



1. Identify the three regions of the body and note the 

 presence of a distinct neck. What is the length of the in- 

 sect .' What is its general form .' If you have living spec- 

 imens, discover what movements the head and abdomen 

 are capable of making. 



2. What is the position and general character of the 

 wings } Explain how these wings are made very efficient 

 for flying. Why should they not fold } 



3. For what do the legs seem best adapted .' Why .? 



4. Note the size of the eyes and of the antennae .'' 

 How do you account for the great size of the eyes and 

 the relatively small antennae .■' 



5. What is the type of mouth parts, biting or sucking } 

 If you have living dragon flies, try feeding them flies or 

 mosquitoes and note how they are seized. 



6. The food of dragon flies is mosquitoes and flies caught 

 while on the wing. In what various ways is the dragon fly 

 specialized for getting food in this manner .■' 



Summary. How is the dragon fly fitted for its aerial life 

 with respect to its body, means and method of locomotion, 

 sense organs, kind of food and manner of obtaining 

 it.? 



Suggested drawing. 



a. Dorsal view, showing veining of one wing. 



