EPHEMERA. 177 
the time for their last change is arrrived, 
they crawl out of the water^ and walk 
ahout for some time, as if to dry their 
skins ; they then creep up on a twig or 
large rush, and, having carefully ex- 
amined it all over, fix themselves to it 
near the top. As the skin dries it seems 
to shrink, till, by a slight effort, the fly 
splits it along the back, and disengaging 
itself, stands fluttering till the wings are 
fully expanded, when it flies away to 
rejoice in air and sunshine. 
Lucy. And when they become flies, 
do they prey upon other insects ? 
Mother, Yes ; the larger species de- 
vour moths ; and the smaller live on little 
flies. 
There is an insect called ephemera*^ 
or sometimes the Day Jly, the larvse of 
which also live in the water, and that for 
a great length of time. 
Lucy, Longer than the larva of the 
dragon fly ? 
* A creature, which exists but one day. 
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