290 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT 
in most cases, are short and slender, the tarsi vary- 
ing in the number of joints from three (their amount 
in dragon flies,) to five (as among the Hemerobii, 
&c.) 
The transformations of this order differ in their 
nature in different tribes, some undergoing a semi- 
metamorphosis, others a complete one. The larvae 
are constantly provided with six feet, and many of 
them reside in the water. The majority of the larvae, 
as well as of the perfect insects, are carnivorous ; a 
few are omnivorous in all their states. 
We have upwards of 200 Neuropterous species 
in Britain, and of these certain of the Libellulse are 
among the largest insects found in this country. 
LatreiUe divides this order into two primary groups, 
discriminated by the shape of the antennae : — Sabu- 
licornes, having these organs minute and setiform, 
with not more than seven joints ; Filicornes, having 
long antennae, composed of numerous joints, and for 
the most part filiform. The former section compre- 
hends the families Libellulidee ( Dragon-flies ,) and 
Ephemeridm ( May -flies ;) the latter contains the 
Panorpida3, ( Scorpion-flies ,) Myrmeleonidse, (Ant- 
Hons,) Hemerobiidas, (Day-flies,) Termitidse, ( White - 
ants,) Kaphidiidae, Psocidee, Perlidee. 
The dragon-flies are well known insects, owing 
to their large size, frequent occurrence, and their 
beautiful and varied colouring. Such of them as 
are now referred to the old genus Libellula, may be 
recognised by having their wings extended horizon- 
tally during repose ; a vesicular elevation on the 
