Today there are approximately 6,000 named dragonfly species in the world. This figure is only approximate because new species are constantly being discovered and described for the first time.
Dragonflies alive much of their lives in an aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs before becoming adults. In some species, the nymphal stage lasts for up to five years. The nymph lives a water-bound existence where it molts (sheds skin) up to 12 times before developing wings.
Dragonflies alive much of their lives in an aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs before becoming adults. In some species, the nymphal stage lasts for up to five years. The nymph lives a water-bound existence where it molts (sheds skin) up to 12 times before developing wings.
A dragonfly can live for 5 years but only develops wings in its last 2-4 months of life.
Dragonflies have two sets of wings. They can move these together or separately. This movement allows dragonflies to fly up, down, or backward, and make quick turns. They can also hover like a helicopter.
The wings of dragonflies prevent bacterial growth due to their natural structure. The surfaces of their wings are covered in nanopillars making them look like a bed of nails. When bacteria come into contact with these surfaces, their cell membranes get ripped apart immediately.
Dragonflies have a high power/weight ratio, and have been documented accelerating at 4 G linearly and 9 G in sharp turns while pursuing prey.
Dragonflies may be the most skilled predators on the planet (apart from humans). When setting off to feed on other flying insects, dragonflies manage to snatch their prey in midair more than 95 percent of the time. It is one of the highest hunting success rates in the animal kingdom (a lion's is a mere 20%).
A dragonfly eats, on average, 300 mosquitoes per day.
Dragonflies are able to fly at more than 20 miles per hour.
The dragonfly Pantala flavescens, only 1.5 inches long, has a range of over 4,400 miles, a world record for long distance insect flight.
The treeline emerald is found in northern Alaska, within the Arctic Circle, making it the most northerly of all dragonflies
Female dragonflies avoid male attention by faking their own deaths.
Though dragonflies possess six legs, they cannot walk.
Dragonflies have 30,000 eye facets whereas houseflies only have about 6,000 and humans have three.
The wings of dragonflies prevent bacterial growth due to their natural structure. The surfaces of their wings are covered in nanopillars making them look like a bed of nails. When bacteria come into contact with these surfaces, their cell membranes get ripped apart immediately.
Dragonflies have a high power/weight ratio, and have been documented accelerating at 4 G linearly and 9 G in sharp turns while pursuing prey.
Dragonflies may be the most skilled predators on the planet (apart from humans). When setting off to feed on other flying insects, dragonflies manage to snatch their prey in midair more than 95 percent of the time. It is one of the highest hunting success rates in the animal kingdom (a lion's is a mere 20%).
A dragonfly eats, on average, 300 mosquitoes per day.
Dragonflies are able to fly at more than 20 miles per hour.
The dragonfly Pantala flavescens, only 1.5 inches long, has a range of over 4,400 miles, a world record for long distance insect flight.
The treeline emerald is found in northern Alaska, within the Arctic Circle, making it the most northerly of all dragonflies
Female dragonflies avoid male attention by faking their own deaths.
Though dragonflies possess six legs, they cannot walk.
Dragonflies have 30,000 eye facets whereas houseflies only have about 6,000 and humans have three.
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