128 
NEUROPTERA. 
side of the body in the nymphs, as in the Orthoptera , and the metamor¬ 
phosis is thus an incomplete one. It is more complete than in the 
Orthoptera , as there is one sudden change from nymph to adult, when the 
insect from being a repulsive crawling creature becomes suddenly winged 
and aerial ; but it is incomplete in the sense that there is no resting 
pupal stage as in the Hymenoptem. 
It is impossible to discuss the extremely interesting variations, 
which are found in the nymphs of various species, in the manner of life and 
respiration ; the aquatic insect fauna of this continent appears to be a 
sealed book and nothing is known in detail. Nymphs have been found 
living in dried up pools, apparently not injured by the absence of water 
and obtaining air directly. It is doubtful to what extent this occurs, 
and whether there are any species that live so habitually. 
Odonata are found abundantly throughout the plains and in forest 
areas. The number of species is very large and an account of the family 
as it occurs in India is much wanted. The imagines have quite peculiar 
habits, and are very characteristic. They play a large part in the des¬ 
truction of smaller winged insects, especially flies, their appetite being 
apparently insatiable. It is often observed that each individual has 
its own beat and it is known that when they are abundant, each 
confines his operations to a particular spot, returning to rest on the 
same twig. 
The length of the life is not known but it is apparently long both in 
the nymph and the adult condition. A few dragon-flies are among the 
Fig 56— Rhyothemis variegata. female. 
