Functional morphology of the feeding apparatus in larval and adult Aeshna juncea (L.) (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)

The head is prognathous in the larva, but hypognathous in the adult. In the larva, the prey is captured by the labial hooks. The labium is then flexed to bring the prey to the mandibles and maxillae for mastication. The labrum. maxillae and labium are moved out of phase with the mandibles. In the adult, the prey is captured by the front legs and the labium plays no part in food capture and little in feeding. However, the mandibles and maxillae are used as in the larva. The growth of the head capsule at metamorphosis of the larva into the adult is compared with the changes occurring in other Odon. and the differences are discussed.