INSECT SUCKERS AND BITERS. 
223 
as the mask again closes. So gliding stealthily 
along the bottom, the greedy creature seizes all that 
comes in his way grubs, worms, water-slugs, and 
even small fish, are all attacked by him ; and though he 
Fig. 76. 
Life of the Dragon-fly,* about half life-size. 
a, Grub living in the water ; m, mask or long lower lip with which 
it seizes its prey ; b, dragon-fly creeping out of its last grub skin ; c, 
perfect dragon-fly on the wing. 
is sometimes devoured in his turn by other animals, 
yet he often escapes, for he breathes by taking in 
water at his tail, and when he wishes to get out of 
* Libellula. 
