Light and scanning electron microscopic studies reveal various stomodeal cuticular structures. In the larvae and adults, microspines on the surface of the longitudinal folds of the pharynx, and dome-shaped, beaded structures on the inner surface of the oesophagous are evident. In the larvae, the folds of the crop bear long hairs laterally and parallel rows of microspines medially. In the larvae, the proventriculus is provided with 4 longitudinal plates; 2 large plates with teeth on each lateral side and 2 small plates each with 4 fine apical teeth, on either side. Scale-like acanthae are observed near the stomodeal valve. A whorl of long hairs is evident in the stomodeal valve. In the adult dragonfly, the acanthae and curved spines occupy the anterior and posterior regions of the proventricular dental plates, respectively. The functional significance of various stomodeal cuticular structures is discussed.