The double wings of dragonflies are membranous with lots of small veins. Although this lace-like appearance makes them look fragile, their wings are actually strong and amazing. Dragonflies are some of the fastest insects in the world with an average speed of 10 mph. Some have even been recorded flying at up to 35 mph! They are able to fly this fast and still be graceful because they only flap their wings 30 times a minute. Compare this to mosquitoes at 600 times a minute and flies at 1000 times a minute! It takes much less effort for dragonflies to maintain their flight due to the makeup of their double wings. Dragonflies have another amazing flying talent: they can fly in all directions-up, down, left, right, forwards, and even backwards!
Dragonflies are usually found around water sources such as marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands. This is because their larvae are aquatic. Eggs are laid on plants in the water or dropped directly into the water. The eggs hatch into nymphs which live in the water from several months to several years. After emerging from the water as a full grown dragonfly, the adult only lives a few months.
It is beneficial to have dragonflies around because they eat mosquitoes and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and wasps. Their legs form a basket shape that allows them to catch and hold on to prey. They rely on their large compound eyes to sense their prey. These eyes cover most of the head, and over 80% of their brain is devoted to analyzing visual information.
There are a variety of myths and mythologies starring the dragonfly. Throughout different cultures and civilizations, they have been symbols of victory, power, prosperity, purity, self-realization, and change. Whether it's their ability to reflect multiple colors with changing angles of light (iridescence), their speed, or the way they seem to live each moment to the fullest during their short adult life, dragonflies have always intrigued humankind.
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