128 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
this weight about 2,800 cocoons are required. Each cocoon 
yields from 300 to 500 yards of silk, so that 1 1b. of silk 
fibre would reach from 500 to 1000 miles. 
THE DRAGON-FLY. 
The Dragon-fly belongs to the lace-winged order of 
insects known as the Orthoptera. Its larvae inhabit the 
‘water, and for this reason, perhaps, are not so well known 
as those of butterflies and moths. The perfect insect 
includes a variety of forms, some brilliantly coloured. 
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Fig. 87.—A, Large Dragon-fly. (Uropetala carovei). 
, Larva. 
The figure MERTORE ILS a male form, distinguished from the female 
by two leaf-like appendages at the extremity of its body. 
The large Dragon-fly—the one: figured above—is not an 
uncommon insect in the months of January and February, 
when it may be seen dashing about, usually in swampy 
situations. It lives on flies and small insects which it 
pursues and easily captures, owing to the rapidity with 
which its powerful wings enable it to fly. It is a most 
voracious insect, and seeks its prey in full daylight, when 
the flies on which it feeds are darting to and fro in the sun- 
shine. These, as soon as seized, are torn to pieces by its 
strong piercing jaws, and quickly devoured. 
