15 Fascinating Dragonfly Facts

Dragonflies have wings powerful enough to fly at speeds of up to 22 – 34 mph.

These prehistoric insects, belonging to the Odonata family, have been around for over 350 million years.

There are more than 3,000 known dragonfly species living on almost every continent in the world.

Let’s discover 15 fascinating dragonfly facts!

Many people mistake damselflies for dragonflies.

The Odonata family only has two main species, the dragonfly and damselfly, which look very similar.

The key to telling them apart is in their wings. A dragonfly has four wings, while a damselfly has two.

When resting, dragonflies spread their wings out horizontally, while damselflies tuck theirs against their bodies.

Dragonflies also have eyes that are usually together, while damselflies have separated eyes.

Dragonflies date back to before dinosaurs.

The ancestors of dragonflies, meganisoptera or griffinflies, lived from 323 million to 250 million years BC during the Paleozoic era.

One species, the megatypus, had a wingspan of up to 28 inches (70cm)!

Dragonflies have a global presence.

Dragonflies can be found in almost every part of the world, with some species more widespread than others.

The globe skimmer dragonfly is found in every continent except Antarctica.

Dragonfly larvae live in water.

Dragonfly larvae, also known as nymphs, live underwater, where they feed on other invertebrates, tadpoles, and small fish.

After hatching from their eggs, nymphs spend several years underwater before emerging as adult dragonflies.

Dragonflies are highly skilled flyers.

Dragonflies are known for their incredible flying abilities, which allow them to migrate across seas and move in any direction, including backwards. Their wings are so powerful that they can fly up to speeds of 22-34 mph (36-54 km/h), with some species reaching speeds up to 60 mph (97 km/h). Dragonflies can control all four wings independently, which gives them four different methods of flight, including hovering, flying slowly or quickly, and changing direction by beating all four wings in sync. They are also skilled hunters, with the ability to catch up to 95% of all prey they choose to hunt. Dragonflies immobilize their prey by biting its head and can enjoy their meal on the spot or while on the move. When hunting, they intercept their prey by calculating its speed, direction, and distance, and then zoom off to where it will be, not where it is. Some species of dragonfly are even capable of camouflaging themselves mid-flight by flying in a certain direction to appear as if they aren’t moving at all.

In Western culture, dragonflies have historically been associated with evil.

Throughout Europe, dragonflies have been given various names that imply a sinister or malevolent nature. For example, in Norway they are known as “eye-pokers,” while in Portugal they are “eye-snatchers.” In North America, they are called “devil’s darning needles,” a reference to a legend that dragonflies sew children’s lips shut while they sleep. However, this negative perception is not universal.

Dragonflies are revered in Japanese folklore.

In contrast to Western culture, Japanese folklore views dragonflies as symbols of courage, success, strength, and happiness. They are respected creatures, rather than companions of witches, snakes, or the devil.

Dragonflies have impressive compound eyes.

Dragonflies have eyes made up of thousands of individual lenses, allowing them to see almost 360 degrees. They have up to 24,000 lenses, and their only blind spot is directly behind them. This allows them to spot single insects in a swarm while flying at high speeds.

Some dragonfly species migrate long distances.

Some dragonfly species migrate to new locations to lay their eggs or to avoid changes in weather or temperature. The green darner is known for migrating in swarms to warmer weather in the fall, returning in the spring. The globe skimmer, on the other hand, migrates up to 11,000 miles (17,702 km) between India and Africa.

Dragonflies can regulate their body temperature.

As cold-blooded creatures, dragonflies need to attain heat from their environment. They bask in the sun and vibrate their wings to generate heat through a process called wing-whirring.

Dragonflies have ways of avoiding overheating.

While dragonflies need to warm up to a certain point, they also need to avoid overheating. Some species employ the obelisk pose to regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.

Have you ever witnessed a dragonfly in the obelisk pose and wondered what it’s doing? Well, wonder no more! This pose involves the dragonfly almost doing a handstand and raising its abdomen high in the air. By doing so, it reduces the amount of sunlight hitting its body and helps to cool down. It’s no wonder that there are odonatologists worldwide who study dragonflies and damselflies. The more you learn about these creatures, the more you appreciate their unmatched vision and flight, as well as their beauty. As the oldest insect, they may even outlive most insects we know today due to their incredible abilities and extensive history on earth.

FAQ

1. What is a dragonfly?

A dragonfly is an insect that belongs to the order Odonata, which also includes damselflies. They are known for their large wings, elongated bodies, and bright colors.

2. How many species of dragonflies are there?

There are over 5,000 species of dragonflies worldwide, with about 450 species found in North America alone.

3. What is the lifespan of a dragonfly?

The lifespan of a dragonfly varies depending on the species, but most adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks to a few months.

4. What do dragonflies eat?

Dragonflies are carnivorous and feed on a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and butterflies. They are also known to eat small fish and tadpoles.

5. How do dragonflies mate?

Dragonflies mate in mid-air, with the male grasping the female by the thorax and the female curling her abdomen around the male’s reproductive organs.

6. What is the purpose of dragonflies’ bright colors?

The bright colors of dragonflies serve several purposes, including attracting mates, warning predators of their toxicity, and thermoregulation.

7. What is the largest species of dragonfly?

The largest species of dragonfly is the South American helicopter damselfly, which has a wingspan of up to 7.5 inches (19 cm).

8. Can dragonflies fly backwards?

No, dragonflies cannot fly backwards, as their wings are designed to push them forward. However, they can hover in place and fly sideways and backwards briefly.

9. What is the significance of dragonflies in different cultures?

Dragonflies have different meanings in various cultures. In Japan, they are a symbol of courage, strength, and happiness, while in Native American culture, they are associated with water and transformation.