Meganeura

Meganeura is a genus of extinct insects from the Carboniferous period (approximately 300 million years ago), which resembled and are related to the present-day dragonflies. With wingspans of up to 65 cm (25.6 in), M. monyi is one of the largest known flying insect species; the Permian Meganeuropsis permiana is another. Meganeura were predatory, and fed on other insects.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meganeura
• Page 106 - Johnson, S., 2008, The Invention of Ait: A story of science, faith, revolution, and the birth of America: Riverhead Books, 254p.