DEAGON-FLIES. 



259 



Dragon-flies (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 



Fro. 134.— Dkaoon-flies. 



A, A Draf;on-fly (^Esckna grandis), partly dissected ; b 

 Li^ellula depressa, h, He-id ; t to t", thoracic segments ; 

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



Inrva , c, impa; n, head of 

 a, abdomen ; an, antennte ; 



powerful mouths. Their wings are usually transjiarent, 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 



