CHAPTER VI. 

 Order Odonata (Od-o-na'ta). 



The Dragon-flies. 



The members of this order have four membranous wings, 

 which are finely netted with veins ; the hind wings are as large 

 or larger than the fore wings ; and each wing has near the 

 middle of the front margin a joint-like structure, the nodus. 

 The mouth-parts are formed for biting. The metamorphosis is 

 incomplete. 



The name of this order is evidently from the Greek word 

 odous, a tooth ; but the reason for applying it to these 

 insects is obscure. 



Fig. 97. — Lib e Hula basalts. 



The Odonata are easily recognized by the form ot their 

 wings, which are long, narrow, and powerful ; and, possess 

 near the middle of the front margin of each a little notch 



