DRAGONFLIES

Odonata

Dragonflies are an immense order of four winged Arthropods. They are named by their resemblance to a dragon, with its long abdomen, broad wings, and dragon-like head. They prey on smaller insects by stalking plants and holding motionless for hours.

The wings of a dragonfly are truly remarkable. Rather than having muscles that pull the wings up by tightening, the dragonfly has several sets of muscles that pull the wings both independently and rapidly. The fastest species can fly up to 30 Mph (48 Km/h.)

They are born in creeks or ponds as small, swimming nymphs. They viciously prey on the smaller insect larvae, darting out of nowhere, and snatching them out of the sky. At a certain age, the nymph crawls from the water, and climbs up onto a plant. The skin splits open, and an adult dragonfly emerges. It basks in the sun for a few hours. Once its wings are dry, it is ready for flight.