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Dragonflies

About Dragonflies

Dragonflies are fascinating creatures that belong to the animal kingdom, class Insecta, and order Odonata. These darting to and fro insects have captured humankind’s attention with their shimmering wings and swift flight. 

Dragonflies tend to be located around bodies of water like ponds or lakes.  Let’s flutter about with them and learn more about the enchanting world of dragonflies, exploring their various species, unique characteristics, and intriguing behaviors.

Types of Dragonflies

With a staggering diversity, there are approximately 5,000 known species of dragonflies inhabiting our planet. Each species showcases its own distinctive features, making them a remarkable sight in nature. Here are a few popular dragonfly species:

  • Common Green Darner: The Common Green Darner (Anax junius) is a widespread species found throughout North America. With its striking green coloration and transparent wings, it is a highly recognizable dragonfly. Known for its migratory behavior, it travels long distances, making it an impressive sight during its annual journeys.
  • Eastern Amberwing: The Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) is a small dragonfly species with vibrant orange and brown wings. Found in the eastern United States, it is often seen around ponds and marshes. Despite its diminutive size, it is known for its fierce hunting abilities.
  • Blue Dasher: The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a widespread species in North America. As the name suggests, it displays a captivating blue coloration. This dragonfly is a swift flier and is often observed perched on grasses or other plants, hunting for small insects.

What are dragonflies known for, and what makes them unique?

Dragonflies are renowned for their exceptional flying skills and incredible agility. They can hover in mid-air, fly in any direction, and change course rapidly, all while reaching impressive speeds. Their large compound eyes provide excellent vision, enabling them to track their prey and navigate through complex environments.

Another unique aspect of dragonflies is their remarkable life cycle. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The aquatic nymphs spend most of their lives in water, where they hunt and grow. Once fully developed, they emerge from the water as adults, shedding their nymphal skin and revealing their dazzling wings.

Summary

Dragonflies truly embody the marvels of the natural world. With their stunning colors, intricate flight patterns, and predatory skills, they capture our imagination and leave us in awe. From the gigantic Giant Petaltail to the minuscule Scarlet Dwarf, dragonflies showcase a remarkable diversity of species. 

Their unique characteristics, such as their hunting prowess and migratory behaviors, further contribute to their allure. As we observe these enchanting creatures, we continue to deepen our understanding of the intricate web of life that surrounds us.

Types of Dragonflies

Clubtail Dragonfly

Clubtail Dragonflies, also known as Gomphidae Dragonflies, are characterized by their thickset bodies, club-shaped tails, and are found near freshwater habitats worldwide.

Common Green Darner

The Common Green Darner is a large dragonfly found across North America. Its brilliant green color and powerful flight make it a prominent dragonfly species.

Delta Spotted Spiketail

The Delta Spotted Spiketail is a dragonfly species native to North America, recognized by its distinctive delta-shaped markings and long, slender abdomen.

Green dragonfly

Green Dragonflies, such as the Common Green Darner, exhibit vibrant green hues, swift flight, and are prominent in North American ecosystems, contributing to freshwater food webs.

Swift River Cruiser

The Swift River Cruiser is a dragonfly species known for its remarkable speed and sleek appearance, found near freshwater habitats in North America.

Twelve Spotted Skimmer

The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is a dragonfly species characterized by twelve dark spots on its wings, found near ponds and slow-moving waters in North America.

White Faced Meadowhawk

The White-Faced Meadowhawk is a dragonfly species notable for its white face and striking red coloration. It inhabits wetlands and ponds across North America.

FAQ’s

1. What are the largest and smallest dragonflies in the world?

Among these remarkable insects, the world’s largest dragonfly is the Giant Petaltail (Petalura ingentissima). Found in Australia, this magnificent species can reach a wingspan of up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters). Its robust body and impressive flight make it a true giant among dragonflies.

On the other end of the scale, the smallest dragonfly is the Scarlet Dwarf (Nannophya pygmaea), also known as the Little Scarlet. Measuring only about 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) in wingspan, this delicate species is found in Southeast Asia. Despite its size, it showcases stunning red coloration, earning its name.

2. How long do dragonflies live?

Dragonflies generally have a relatively short lifespan, ranging from a few weeks to several months. However, the exact lifespan varies among species. Some dragonflies live only a few weeks, while others can survive up to six months. The specific environmental conditions, availability of resources, and predation pressures all influence their lifespan.

Among the dragonflies, the Globe Skimmer (Pantala flavescens) holds the record for the longest migratory journey and lifespan. This species embarks on remarkable migrations, covering thousands of miles across continents. It can live up to several months, allowing it to complete its incredible migratory cycle.

3. How do dragonflies reproduce?

The reproductive process of dragonflies is a fascinating aspect of their lifecycle. It begins with an elaborate courtship display. Male dragonflies demonstrate their prowess by performing intricate aerial acrobatics and flashing their vibrant colors to attract potential mates.

Once a pair has formed, the male clasps the female behind her head using specialized appendages at the end of his abdomen. This position, known as the “mating wheel,” allows for successful transfer of sperm from the male to the female. After mating, the female lays her eggs in or near water bodies, as dragonfly larvae are aquatic creatures.

4. What do dragonflies eat?

Dragonflies are carnivorous insects and voracious predators. They have a diverse diet consisting primarily of other insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and butterflies. Using their excellent vision, dragonflies locate their prey while in flight.

Once the target is spotted, dragonflies employ their remarkable flying skills to capture their prey mid-air. They swiftly extend their long legs, forming a basket-like structure to trap the unsuspecting victim. With their sharp mandibles, they quickly consume the captured insect, leaving behind only indigestible parts.

Sources
  • Burnie, David & Wilson, Don, Animal, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC.
  • Hickman et al, Integrated Principle of Zoology, McGraw Hill, Boston.