A dragonfly can fly forward at a speed of 100 body lengths per second (up to 30 miles per hour).. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. [62], Old and unreliable claims are made that dragonflies such as the southern giant darner can fly up to 97km/h (60mph). [39], Adult males vigorously defend territories near water; these areas provide suitable habitat for the nymphs to develop, and for females to lay their eggs. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Numerous other names related to neither taxonomy nor fact have traditionally been applied to dragonflies, such as horse stinger. Their shape, metabolism, and respiration differ concordantly with the microhabitat they occupy. Solid waste is also expelled in this manner. Adults may require emergent or waterside plants to use as perches; others may . Studies reveal that black saddlebags can eat up several species of mosquito larvae, devouring almost 38 larvae in just two days. The body of the dragonfly consists of the head, thorax and abdomen. The mating system of dragonflies is complex, and they are among the few insect groups that have a system of indirect sperm transfer along with sperm storage, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. [85][86] Dragonflies are steadily declining in Africa, and represent a conservation priority. Requirements may be highly specific, as in Aeshna viridis (green hawker), which lives in swamps with the water-soldier, Stratiotes aloides. Eventually, the larva crawls out of the water (often at night) and molts one last time, emerging as an adult and leaving behind a cast skin (exuvia). They may even cannibalize other dragonfly nymphs. 14 Fun Facts About Dragonflies.Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, 5 Oct. 2011. The female in some families (Aeshnidae, Petaluridae) has a sharp-edged ovipositor with which she slits open a stem or leaf of a plant on or near the water, so she can push her eggs inside. The wings of male dragoinflies are relatively longer and narrower than females in large species. The wings of dragonflies are mainly composed of veins and membranes, a typical nanocomposite material. Dragonfly wings behave highly dynamically during flight, flexing and twisting during each beat. The fast-growing invasive species blocks out sunlight that sustains the grasses. [48] Similarly, selection of habitat by adult dragonflies is not random, and terrestrial habitat patches may be held for up to 3 months. . Notes: Unlike most other dragonfly larvae, which sit and wait for prey, aeshnid larvae stalk their prey. But there are also clear differences between dragonflies and damselflies, outlined in the table below. Because these insects require stable oxygen levels and clean water, scientists consider them reliable bioindicators of the health of an ecosystem. The dragonfly appears in the second stage and therefore this paper will only cover the first two stages. Hadley, Debbie. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. several characteristics in common. 3. Pupke, Chris. Dragonfly Characteristics. Curling back upwards, it completes its emergence, swallowing air, which plumps out its body, and pumping haemolymph into its wings, which causes them to expand to their full extent. Updated November 22, 2019. Water is pumped in and out of the abdomen through an opening at the tip. The dragonfly mistakes the pebbles for prey, gets tangled in the hair, and is dragged to the ground by the weight. Should a challenger fly into his chosen habitat, the defending male will do all he can to chase away the competition. Dragonfly Anatomy. ", "Frequently Asked Questions about Dragonflies", "Insect behaviour: Motion camouflage in dragonflies", "Linking biomechanics and ecology through predatorprey interactions: flight performance of dragonflies and their prey", "First report on predation of adult anurans by Odonata larvae", https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p035dt53/dragonflies-see-the-world-in-slow-motion, https://dragonfly.org/the-symbolism-biology-and-lore-of-dragonflies/, "An Introduction To The Study of Invertebrate Zoology. Dragonflies can fly in any direction that a helicopter can fly, including 360 degree turns, hovering in one place and even backward. While both of those groups are sometimes referred to as "giant dragonflies", in fact true dragonflies/odonata are more modern insects that had not evolved yet. [93]:2527 The Norwegian name for dragonflies is yenstikker ("eye-poker"), and in Portugal, they are sometimes called tira-olhos ("eyes-snatcher"). Watch an animation of an aquatic dragonfly larva extending its labial mask to catch prey. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. [99], Among the classical names of Japan are Akitsukuni (), Akitsushima (), Toyo-akitsushima (). Reviewing his artwork, the odonatologists, BBC Reel, Intelligent Creatures, Dragonflies see the world in slow motion, 4 April 2019. Dragonflies have 6 legs and two pairs of wings. A species tightly linked to its birth site utilises a foraging area that is several orders of magnitude larger than the birth site. This article was most recently revised and updated by, Distinguishing characteristics and flight behaviour, https://www.britannica.com/animal/dragonfly. They have bulging eyes somewhat similar to the adults, but possess a formidable anatomical structure not present in the adult. The large eyes appear out of proportion to the rest of the head and body. The relatively constant wing architecture across dragonfly evolution suggests that the wing architecture of dragonflies functions well over a large range of wingspans. Young dragonflies, called larvae or sometimes nymphs or naiads, are aquatic and are as dedicated predators under water as the adults are in the air. With the destruction of rainforest habitats, many of these species are in danger of becoming extinct before they have even been named. Likewise, the dragonfly nymph pulls water into its anus to facilitate gas exchange. Green darners, for example, fly south each fall in sizeable swarms and then migrate north again in the spring. Dragonflies get categorized as beneficial insects because they eat so many harmful insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, ants termites, along with other insects and arachnids. Freshly emerged adults, known as tenerals, are often pale, and obtain their typical colours after a few days. [108], In heraldry, like other winged insects, the dragonfly is typically depicted tergiant (with its back facing the viewer), with its head to chief. [57], The nymph stage of dragonflies lasts up to five years in large species, and between two months and three years in smaller species. Anchoring itself firmly in a vertical position with its claws, its exoskeleton begins to split at a weak spot behind the head. "10 Fascinating Facts About Dragonflies." The body of the dragonfly consists of the head, thorax and abdomen. [18] Their altitudinal limit is about 3700 m, represented by a species of Aeshna in the Pamirs. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [88], Dragonflies are attracted to shiny surfaces that produce polarization which they can mistake for water, and they have been known to aggregate close to polished gravestones, solar panels, automobiles, and other such structures on which they attempt to lay eggs. Overview of the Biggest Bugs That Ever Lived, How to Identify the Common Green Darner Dragonfly, Daddy Longlegs: Arachnids, but Not Spiders, How to Distinguish Between a Dragonfly and a Damselfly, Dragonflies -The Hawks of the Insect World Are Important Environmental Indicators, B.A., Political Science, Rutgers University. Gliders. They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. Dragonflies and damselflies are predaceous both as immatures and adults. [62], Dragonflies generate lift in at least four ways at different times, including classical lift like an aircraft wing; supercritical lift with the wing above the critical angle, generating high lift and using very short strokes to avoid stalling; and creating and shedding vortices. Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness", "An updated phylogeny of Anisoptera including formal convergence analysis of morphological characters", "Featured Creatures: dragonflies and damselflies", "Habitat Characteristics and Odonata Diversity in Mountain Ponds of Central Italy", "Sperm competition and penis structure in some Libellulid dragonflies (Anisoptera)", "The odonate mating system, communication, and sexual selection: A review", "Blue integumentary structural colours in dragonflies (Odonata) are not produced by incoherent Tyndall scattering", Parasitism of Mussel Gills by Dragonfly Nymphs, "The role of landmarks in territory maintenance by the black saddlebags dragonfly, Tramea lacerata", "Home Range, Movement, and Distribution Patterns of the Threatened Dragonfly Sympetrum depressiusculum (Odonata: Libellulidae): A Thousand Times Greater Territory to Protect? Dragonflies are the more common of the two and both share many of the same physical characteristics and behaviors. Aeshna interrupta has 22650 ommatidia of two varying sizes, 4500 being large. abdomen - The segmented tail-like section of the body. The neurons contain genes like those in the eye to make them sensitive to light. [93]:38, In Chinese culture, dragonflies symbolize both change and instability. Grid Card. Male Dragonflies Have Multiple Sex Organs, 10. The veins and membranes have a complex design within the wing that give rise to whole-wing characteristics which result in dragonflies being supremely versatile, maneuverable fliers. The male holds the female behind the head using a pair of claspers on the terminal segment. In Europe, dragonflies have often been seen as sinister. Updates? This extraordinary vision is one reason why they're able to keep a watch on a single insect within a swarm. [12] Both damselsfly and dragonfly nymphs ventilate the rectum, but just some damselfly nymphs have a rectal epithelium that is rich in trachea, relying mostly on three feathery external gills as their major source of respiration. [41] Vegetation and its characteristics including submerged, floating, emergent, or waterside are also important. The Plathemis lydia (common whitetail) dashes towards an intruder holding its white abdomen aloft like a flag. But the praying mantis anatomy is designed to be a predator. Their hunting methods vary. Other characteristics that set the dragonfly apart from other insects are the eyes, wings, flight speed and maneuverability during flight. In Indonesia, adult dragonflies are caught on poles made sticky with birdlime, then fried in oil as a delicacy. Dragonfly sperm, however, is stored in an opening of the ninth abdominal segment. But this system has been modified in several families. [111] Hori Bakusui (17181783) similarly wrote "Dyed he is with the / Colour of autumnal days, / O red dragonfly. Estimates differ on dragonfly flyig speed, with estimates ranging between 30-60 mph. [49], Mating in dragonflies is a complex, precisely choreographed process. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. For example, the yellow presba, a dragonfly native only to South Africa, is losing its grassland habitat to the Australian black wattle, a commercially introduced tree. An adult dragonfly's compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each. [41] The chemistry of the water, including its trophic status (degree of enrichment with nutrients) and pH can also affect its use by dragonflies. For example, the Gomphidae (clubtails) live in running water, and the Libellulidae (skimmers) live in still water. [92] For the Navajo, dragonflies symbolize pure water. Accurately drawn dragonflies by Moses Harris, 1780: At top left, the brown hawker, Aeshna grandis (described by Linnaeus, 1758); the nymph at lower left is shown with the "mask" extended. It has a chitinous exoskeleton of hard plates held together with flexible membranes. [87], The dragonfly's long lifespan and low population density makes it vulnerable to disturbance, such as from collisions with vehicles on roads built near wetlands. To save chestnut trees, we may have to play God, Why you should add native plants to your garden, What you can do right now to advocate for the planet, Why poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winner. Dragonflies have long, delicate, membranous wings which are transparent and some have light yellow coloring near the tips. Competition for females is fierce, leading male dragonflies to aggressively fend off other suitors. Their arms slant upward, forming a type of basket and enabling them to scoop up prey in flight. 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. [45] Defending a breeding territory is common among male dragonflies, especially in species that congregate around ponds. Express your true feelings [15] The globe skimmer Pantala flavescens is probably the most widespread dragonfly species in the world; it is cosmopolitan, occurring on all continents in the warmer regions. A dragonfly is an insect and so has three main body segments and six legs. The dragonfly is a lesser-known symbol in Feng Shui. "[112], The novelist H. E. Bates described the rapid, agile flight of dragonflies in his 1937 nonfiction book[113] Down the River:[114], I saw, once, an endless procession, just over an area of water-lilies, of small sapphire dragonflies, a continuous play of blue gauze over the snowy flowers above the sun-glassy water. The damselfly nymph actually breathes through gillsinside its rectum. [8] Today, some 3,000 species are extant around the world.[9][10]. Rats invaded paradise. They are also symbols in the Chinese practices of Feng Shui, where placements of dragonfly statues and artwork in parts of a home or office are believed to bring new insights and positive changes. Adult dragonflies are characterized by a pair of large, multifaceted, compound eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. The eyes take up most of the head; the thorax is approximately two to three times the size of the head, and the wings and legs are attached to the thorax. As seen in Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana), male populations use wetland habitats, while females use dry meadows and marginal breeding habitats, only migrating to the wetlands to lay their eggs or to find mating partners. This page was last edited on 22 April 2023, at 01:32. When he finds a receptive female, he grasps her behind her head with claspers at the tip of his abdomen, and the two fly off together. Many dragonflies are beautifully colored with greens, reds, yellows and blues. Early in the morning, they may choose to perch in a vertical position with the wings outstretched, while in the middle of the day, a horizontal stance may be chosen. By Nanette Kelley. 64 Dragonflies Anisoptera. Here, the wings are discarded and the prey usually ingested head first. [54] In a few species, the eggs are laid on emergent plants above the water, and development is delayed until these have withered and become immersed. Disproportionately large, the mask folds beneath both the head and thorax when it is not in use. [95], In both China and Japan, dragonflies have been used in traditional medicine. Perching dragonflies, on the other hand, who rely on solar energy for warmth, skillfully position their bodies to maximize the surface area exposed to sunlight. Some species lay their eggs inside plant tissue, others attach their eggs to substrates at or above the waters surface, and some may drop or wash their eggs from their abdomen onto water. [54] Flying in tandem has the advantage that less effort is needed by the female for flight and more can be expended on egg-laying, and when the female submerges to deposit eggs, the male may help to pull her out of the water. cercus - The outer pair of anal appendages on anisopteran larvae. The colorful, acrobatic dragonfly may seem familiar, but this stunning macro film reveals the mysteries behind its metamorphic life cycle. They, like the gigantic predinosaur griffinflies, lack the ability to fold their wings up against their bodies in the way modern insects do, although some evolved their own different way to do so. Another method of warming up used by some larger dragonflies is wing-whirring, a rapid vibration of the wings that causes heat to be generated in the flight muscles. Commonly known as pantala flavescens, the globe skimmer, wandering glider, and globe wanderer, gliders are the most widespread dragonflies in the world. Change is coming - or you should make a change 5. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. At the same time, more research into dragonflies needs to be done, consideration should be given to pollution control and the public should be educated about the importance of biodiversity. The male then grasps the female by the head with the claspers at the end of his abdomen; the structure of the claspers varies between species, and may help to prevent interspecific mating. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-dragonflies-1968249. [100] This is attributed to a legend in which Japan's mythical founder, Emperor Jimmu, was bitten by a mosquito, which was then eaten by a dragonfly.[101][102]. Odonata, insect order comprising the dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) and the damselflies (suborder Zygoptera). The springtime darner (Basiaeschna janata), for example, is suddenly very common in the spring, but disappears a few weeks later and is not seen again until the following year. [104] Swedish folklore holds that the devil uses dragonflies to weigh people's souls. In addition, dragonflies rest with their wings spread horizontally, rather than held vertically against each other (with the exception of one very small family, Epiophlebiidae). When they land, the female curls her abdomen under to meet his secondary genitalia, forming a mating wheel that can resemble the shape of a heart. Introduction to the Odonata.University of California Museum of Paleontology, University of California Berkeley. For example, the southwestern tribes, including the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni, associated dragonflies with transformation. Omissions? This proposes the establishment of protected areas around the world and the management of these areas to provide suitable habitat for dragonflies. How this animal can survive is a mystery. Larvae crawl from eggs laid in or near water. Many of these spiketail dragonflies can be found in wooded areas near the Rocky Mountains. The attacker thus looms larger as he closes on the rival, but does not otherwise appear to move. Blues are typically created by microstructures in the cuticle that reflect blue light. The second and third segments are enlarged, and in males, on the underside of the second segment has a cleft, forming the secondary genitalia consisting of the lamina, hamule, genital lobe, and penis. They referred to dragonflies as "snake doctors" because they believed dragonflies followed snakes into the ground and healed them if they were injured. Once they have grown and developed, they crawl out of the water in order to molt into their . 29 Damselflies. First the male goes through whats called self-insemination, curling his body to transfer sperm from his primary genitalia, at the tip of his abdomen, to the secondary genitalia, just below the thorax. The head is large with very short antennae. For other uses, see. They have a brown or black abdomen that has a distinct bright yellow pattern. Dragonflies can detect colors and moving objects. Larvae absorb oxygen from the water using gills inside the rectum. In the chasers (Libellulidae), however, many genera have areas of colour on the wings: for example, groundlings (Brachythemis) have brown bands on all four wings, while some scarlets (Crocothemis) and dropwings (Trithemis) have bright orange patches at the wing bases. [50] If successful, a rival male uses his penis to compress or scrape out the sperm inserted previously; this activity takes up much of the time that a copulating pair remains in the heart posture. The mesothorax and metathorax are fused into a rigid, box-like structure with internal bracing, and provide a robust attachment for the powerful wing muscles inside. [25], In high-speed territorial battles between male Australian emperors (Hemianax papuensis), the fighting dragonflies adjust their flight paths to appear stationary to their rivals, minimizing the chance of being detected as they approach. [12][23], An adult dragonfly has three distinct segments, the head, thorax, and abdomen, as in all insects. The origin of the change is mental and emotional maturity, as well as the ability to comprehend the deeper meaning of life. [36], Some dragonflies, such as the green darner, Anax junius, have a noniridescent blue that is produced structurally by scatter from arrays of tiny spheres in the endoplasmic reticulum of epidermal cells underneath the cuticle. These include falcons such as the American kestrel, the merlin,[76] and the hobby;[77] nighthawks, swifts, flycatchers and swallows also take some adults; some species of wasps, too, prey on dragonflies, using them to provision their nests, laying an egg on each captured insect. Further information on the extinct genus of dragonfly: This is not to say that other species may not use the same technique, only that this species has been studied. "[110], The poet Lord Tennyson, described a dragonfly splitting its old skin and emerging shining metallic blue like "sapphire mail" in his 1842 poem "The Two Voices", with the lines "An inner impulse rent the veil / Of his old husk: from head to tail / Came out clear plates of sapphire mail. They are fast, agile and powerful flyers. Naiads can forcefully expel a jet of water to propel themselves with great rapidity. Sort. [94] The abdomen draws water in and pumps it out again through the anus. [27], The abdomen is long and slender and consists of 10 segments. 10 Cool Facts about Dragonflies.Ontario Parks, 16 June 2019. Widow Skimmer 2. Water mites, Hydracarina, can kill smaller dragonfly nymphs, and may also be seen on adults. The wing structure of several insects, including dragonflies, is not smooth, but corrugated; its vertical cross-section consists of a connected series of line segments. All rights reserved, aquatic insects, mosquito larvae, or small fish, The International Union for Conservation of Nature now considers this dragonfly vulnerable to extinction, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artefacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues, and Art Nouveau jewellery. What are the Fastest Animals in the World? [27] The thorax bears two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. This arrester system is unique to the Odonata, and is activated when feeding and during tandem flight. [33], Dragonflies and damselflies are predatory both in the aquatic nymphal and adult stages. Other characteristics that set the dragonfly apart from other insects are the eyes, wings, flight speed and maneuverability during flight. The damming of rivers for hydroelectric schemes and the drainage of low-lying land has reduced suitable habitat, as has pollution and the introduction of alien species. Dragonflies also have huge bulging eyes that occupy most of the head, giving some a field of vision approaching 360 degrees. Around midsummer, females hover over bodies of fresh water and dip in their abdomens, laying eggs that hatch in about seven to eight days. An adult dragonfly lives about six months. Dragonflies can move straight up or down, fly backward, stop and hover, and make hairpin turnsat full speed or in slow motion. Animal Life Resource: Dragonflies and Damselflies: Odonata - Physical Characteristics, University of California Museum of Paleontology: Introduction to the Odonata Dragonflies and Damselflies. Dragonflies can also fly backward and sideways and change directions. Dragonfly Nymphs Live In the Water 3. These are active dragonflies that are usually seen flying about, rarely ever perching like the skimmers. [81] Trematodes are parasites of vertebrates such as frogs, with complex life cycles often involving a period as a stage called a cercaria in a secondary host, a snail. Typically, a darner dragonfly has a thick thorax and a long abdomen, and the abdomen is slightly narrower just behind the thorax. Whether delicately perched on a cattail or hovering over a pond, dragonflies are a sure sign of summer. All 93. However, the mechanism remains unclear because of the complex wing . Larger species even dine on the occasional small fish or tadpole. Adults live only about a month, hunting flies, mosquitos, and midges. Some English vernacular names, such as "horse-stinger",[103] "devil's darning needle", and "ear cutter", link them with evil or injury. [12] Most of a dragonfly's life is spent as a nymph, beneath the water's surface. They are also depicted frequently in Japanese art and literature, especially haiku poetry. A dragonfly's eyes take up most of the insect's head, wrapping around to the sides of its head. Because of their connection to water, dragonflies are tied to our emotional selves. In some species, the nymphal stage lasts up to five years, and the adult stage may be as long as 10 weeks, but most species have an adult lifespan in the order of five weeks or less, and some survive for only a few days. Swarms of feeding adults aggregate to prey on swarming prey such as emerging flying ants or termites. Habitats They hunt in flight, are highly manoeuvrable and even mate mid-air. First, the male has to attract a female to his territory, continually driving off rival males. Before mating, the dragonfly has to fold his abdomen in order to transfer his sperm to his penis. About Us AnimalCorner.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Griffenflies (Meganisoptera), the gigantic precursors to modern dragonflies had wingspans of over two feet and dotted the skies during the Carboniferous period over 300 million years ago., There's a good reason why you see dragonflies and damselflies around ponds and lakes: They're aquatic! Odonates are found near fresh water sources and are active on pleasant sunny days. [72], The nymphs are voracious predators, eating most living things that are smaller than they are. Some defend a territory against others of their own species, some against other species of dragonfly and a few against insects in unrelated groups. Male Dot-tailed Whiteface rank as one of the most easily identified dragonflies. Furthermore, dragonflies are among the more agile flyers. Dragonfly naiads spend their life underwater, feeding on other aquatic insects and possibly plant matter. They may be seen on the wing for several months, but this may represent a whole series of individuals, with new adults hatching out as earlier ones complete their lifespans. Conversely, during hot spells, some dragonflies strategically position themselves to minimize sun exposure, using their wings to deflect sunlight. Zielinski, Sarah. Adults also look for opportunities to mate. The life cycle of a dragonfly has a few stages. The adult dragonfly crawls out of its nymph exoskeleton, the exuvia, arching backwards when all but the tip of its abdomen is free, to allow its exoskeleton to harden. [116][117], This article is about the insect. As with other migratory species, dragonflies relocate to follow or find needed resources or in response to environmental changes such as impending cold weather. Praying mantis are built to locate, hunt and subdue its prey before making . The long leg joints bear rows of spines, and in males, one row of spines on each front leg is modified to form an "eyebrush", for cleaning the surface of the compound eye. Mating takes just a few seconds, after which the female can immediately lay her eggs. Distribution Found in West Scotland, Cumbria, Southern England, and Wales. The term devils darning needle is derived from a superstition that dragonflies may sew up the eyes, ears, or mouth of a sleeping child, especially one who has misbehaved. In reality, dragonflies present no danger to humans. Dragonfly enters our life when our joy diminishes or when we start taking things too seriously. This behaviour involves doing a "handstand", perching with the body raised and the abdomen pointing towards the sun, thus minimising the amount of solar radiation received. [a][66][67] To achieve the effect, the attacking dragonfly flies towards his rival, choosing his path to remain on a line between the rival and the start of his attack path. The abdomen consists of 10 segments and is long and slender with anal appendages. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. The eyes take up most of the head; the thorax is approximately two to three times the size of the head, and the wings and legs are attached to the thorax. Other dragonflies engage in aerial dogfights or high-speed chases. costa - Major vein running along the leading edge of the wings. Some of these characteristics include segmented bodies, jointed appendages, compound and/or median eyes, and an external skeleton.
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