PSEUDO-NEUROPTERA 399 



versely, but which (contrary to what obtains in other insects) cannot be 

 unfolded by the help of the thoracic muscles alone. This is effected by 

 the abdominal nippers, which by means of the elongated and flexible 

 abdomen can be raised till they reach below the wing-covers. 



ORDER VIII. : FALSE NET-WINGS (PSEUDO- 

 NEUROPTERA). 



Mouth parts masticatory ; prothorax free ; fore and hind wings similar, 

 transparent, with reticulate neurations, generally incapable of being 

 folded up. Metamorphosis incomplete. 



The Blue Dragon Fly {Mschna cyanea). 

 (Length about 1\ inches.) 



The accompanying illustration will enable us easily to pick out this 

 species from the large number of the Libellulidse. It only remains to 

 notice — 



A. The Colour. 



The forehead is marked by a black T-sbaped spot ; the great 

 compound eyes meet in the middle, and are of a brilliant blue or green 

 colour. The thorax is brown above, with two yellowish-green spots. 

 The slender abdomen is brownish-black, marked with spots — in the male 

 mostly of blue colour (name), but green in the female. The wings are 

 of a glassy transparency, shot with yellow at their bases. Thus, the 

 dragon fly looks a very handsome creature, especially as seen disporting 

 itself over water and meadows. But its brief life is by no means given 

 up to play, but rather to continuous slaughter, for this insect is — 



B. A Pirate, pursuing its Prey in the Air. 



This vocation explains the rapidity and deftness which mark all its 

 movements. (Compare with raptorial birds, wasps, and other predatory 

 animals of the air.) 



1. The slender body cleaves the air with ease, the long and flexible 

 abdomen serving as an excellent rudder during flight. 



2. The insect is carried with ease on its four large transparent wings, 

 which are traversed by many reticulated veins. The strong muscles 

 which move the wings are all lodged in a 



3. Very capacious thorax (see also Section 7). 



4. The head, being united to the thorax by merely a thin stalk, is very 

 movable, whilst 



5. The eyes have the form of large hemispheres. These features 

 enable the insect to survey a wide area in search of prey. 



