1636. NEUROPTERA. This order is distinguished by having four membranous wings, generally of equal size, identical in texture, and very much reticulated; the mouth is armed with powerful jaws for mastication; the tail is not provided with a sting; and the transformations are varied, the insects in some groups continuing active throughout their whole lives, like the Orthoptera; whilst in others the pupa state is inactive, like that of the beetles and bees. Such of those insects as have active pupï¾µ approach very nearly to the Orthoptera, with which they have sometimes been united. The chief groups in this order are those of the white ants (Termitidï¾µ), stone-flies (Perlidï¾µ), May flies (Ephemeridï¾µ), dragon-flies (Libellulidï¾µ), and ant-and aphis-lion flies (Myrmeleonidï¾µ and Hemerobiidï¾µ). Few of these, although found occasionally in gardens, are among our more formidable: insect enemies, unless, indeed, they happen to appear in considerable numbers. The general appearance of the dragon-flies, May flies, and moth flies may be learned by fig. 283.; a representing A'grion virgo; b, Ephemera vulgata) and c, Phryganea rhombica.
