184 WONDERS OF POND LIFE. 



that this slowly crawling creature could be so fero- 

 cious, for it seems not to have any arm by which 

 to capture and seize insects and other water-loving 

 animals that come in its way. But if some unwary- 

 creature happens within striking distance, how 

 quickly the pupal dragon extends its long, sharp 

 forceps, that had been carefully concealed behind a 

 smooth mask, and, darting swiftly toward it, seizes 

 and holds it with a firm grasp. This pincher is 

 really the under lip of the young insect, lengthened 

 and fitted to clutch its victim, but when not in use 

 it is folded up and completely hidden from view. 



I have seen it in a bottle with a mud-minnow 

 twice its size. At first it moved very slowly and 

 cautiously along on the bottom until it had come 

 within the proper distance, when with a spring 

 like a flash it pounced upon the unfortunate fish, 

 seized it with its extended, nipper-like jaws, and 

 shook it as a terrier shakes a rat. The struggle 

 was of short duration. The minnow lay panting 

 within the vise-like grip, while its life juices flowed 

 into the insatiable maw of the dragon. 



The manner in which it propels itself through 

 the water is very curious. It actually breathes 

 itself along ! The process of respiration is carried 

 on by trachea or pores situated in the tail, where 



