Dragonflies, The Most Fascinating Winged Insects
Undoubtedly, dragonflies are among the insects that have most fascinated and aroused the interest of scholars and ordinary people. They are the protagonists of numerous legends, popular beliefs and mythological stories that, many centuries ago, embellished the collective imagination. In this article we will guide you to discover this large winged insect, talking about its characteristics, its habitat and some curiosities.
Dragonflies: exceptional morphological characteristics
Currently, there are over 5,500 different species of dragonflies in the wild . As for their origin, it is estimated that these insects first appeared over 300 million years ago. This would mean that they are antecedent to human civilization and even older than dinosaurs.
They are characterized by their thin and elongated abdomen, their large and spherical eyes that do not touch each other for a while. Their ocular morphology offers them a truly privileged vision, whose field of view can reach 360 degrees.
Dragonflies have six legs, each covered with small hairs, which allow them to capture any prey. Its large but very thin wings, which are four in all, can measure from two to 19 centimeters. This measure may vary, depending on the species.
What do dragonflies eat?
Dragonflies are very effective carnivorous predators , which help the ecosystem to control the population of mosquitoes, midges and so on. They even eat tadpoles. Despite being small, they are skilled enough to hunt that they rank at the top of the food chain when it comes to insects. Thanks to their remarkable agility and the “hair” of their legs, they are able to trap prey while they fly.
The role that dragonflies play in the ecosystem greatly helps humans. A decrease in the dragonfly population would be a risk not only for the balance of their habitat , but also for our health.
The habitat of dragonflies
The great majority of dragonfly species are native to warm climates, mainly from tropical and subtropical regions. However, they possess characteristics such that they can adapt and live on all continents, with the exception of the North Pole and the Antarctic. Furthermore, the millennia they have lived on our planet are proof of their resilience and adaptability.
How do dragonflies fly?
Dragonflies are also famous for their great agility and endurance in flight. They have small rings on their abdomen, which help them to strengthen their body, gaining power and speed when it comes to flying.
The light and elongated structure of their body, together with the four powerful wings and the ring structure, already mentioned, allow them to reach great speeds. A dragonfly can fly continuously for hours without decreasing the average speed of 60 km / h. In addition, they can take off quickly without the need for any external impulse or run-up.
How do dragonflies reproduce?
Dragonflies live most of their life near water and it is in these areas that mating takes place. In general, males have to fight each other to “conquer” the female of a certain territory. And, after having crowned himself as the “winner”, the remaining male must take care of his mate as he lays his eggs in the water.
The life cycle of each dragonfly begins in this environment, in the form of aquatic larvae . During this time, they breathe through their gills and feed on worms and tadpoles.
They also have a kind of mask with large fangs to catch their prey. The duration of this initial phase varies according to each dragonfly species: from a few weeks to eight years.
After this stage, the moment of metamorphosis arrives . After changing the pack several times, the dragonflies reach the final form that will accompany them during their short adult life. To reach this stage, the dragonfly must free itself from its mask and fangs. Most dragonflies only live a few weeks.
The dragonfly and its significance in popular culture
In traditional Native American culture , the dragonfly is regarded as a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Therefore, they are usually associated with reincarnation and the souls of the dead. In other tribes, these insects are represented as totems of strength and prosperity.
The Burmese people regularly performed the ritual of throwing dragonflies into the water surrounding their settlements. Currently, it is estimated that the intention was to control the mosquito population and prevent the spread of diseases such as yellow fever or malaria. This ritual had a meaning of protection from all evils.
Its way of flying and the multicolored colors that reflect the sunlight have fascinated many civilizations. Furthermore, its ability to survive, transforming itself and passing through three different stages of life, is considered an inspiration for human existence.
