For many people, insects are even more frightening than wild predators. However, others find these creatures interesting and even endearing. Whether insects, especially winged ones, are cute is highly debatable. But it's an undeniable fact that some species have quite fascinating characteristics. Dragonflies are among the most fascinating insects in nature. And these unusual creatures have been roaming swamps, ponds, and puddles around the world for over 350 million years. Here are 10 interesting facts about dragonflies you probably haven't heard before.
1. Dragonflies are older than dinosaurs!
Approximately 350 million years ago, very unusual creatures called meganisopterans lived on Earth. Moreover, these winged insects were gigantic in size. Modern dragonflies are descendants of these terrifying creatures.
Given the date of the first Meganisoptera appearance, it can be assumed that these creatures lived in the period before the appearance of dinosaurs. So, technically, modern dragonflies predate the dinosaurs!
2. They can live everywhere except Antarctica.
3. They spend the first few years of their lives underwater.
Adult dragonflies lay their eggs on aquatic plants or directly on the water's surface. The hatchlings spend the first few years of their lives feeding on living organisms underwater and live underwater until they become adults.
4. They have incredible flying abilities.
Dragonflies are very resilient creatures and can remain airborne for long periods, and thanks to their powerful wings, they can fly at speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour. However, dragonflies' flight abilities don't stop there.
Thanks to their unusual wings, dragonflies can move in any direction and easily change direction in mid-air, unlike many other flying creatures. These amazing creatures can even fly backwards whenever they want!
5. Dragonflies have four wings that can move independently of each other.
It is to these wings that they owe their incredible flight skills. Dragonflies can fly very fast or very slowly and remain motionless in the air thanks to their independent wings.
6. They are also very skilled at hunting.
Despite their small size, dragonflies are among the most dangerous predators in the wild. Thanks to their exceptional flight abilities, they can easily hunt a wide variety of insects, especially moths and flies. In fact, according to research, only 5 percent of creatures preyed upon by dragonflies survive.
However, dragonflies' hunting methods are also quite intriguing. Unlike many predators in the wild, dragonflies don't attack their prey directly. Instead, they calculate the speed, direction, and distance to their prey in seconds, positioning themselves at the target before their prey does, and delivering a killing blow at the precise moment.
7. They can camouflage themselves even in the air.
Camouflage is one of the most effective weapons a hunter can wield in the wild. Dragonflies are creatures that can utilize this effective weapon in a very interesting way. So much so that they can even camouflage themselves in mid-air…
Remaining undetected while hunting is crucial for dragonflies. For this reason, they use a flight method called "motion camouflage." In other words, they fly at a constant speed and in a single direction to avoid being noticed by enemies or prey and to strike at the perfect moment. This creates the illusion that they are standing motionless in the air, making them appear to pose no threat!
8. They are not very popular in Western culture.
Moreover, in many European countries, they are associated with the devil and misfortune, considered companions of evil spirits. On the other hand, in Eastern societies, and especially in Japan, they are seen as symbols of courage, success, power, and even happiness.
9. They have almost 360 degree visibility.
Dragonflies, like flies, have a complex eye structure consisting of thousands of independent lenses. Thanks to these lenses, which can number up to 24,000, dragonflies have a nearly 360-degree field of vision and are considered among the most unique creatures in this field.
10. They can regulate their body temperature.
Dragonflies are cold-blooded creatures and can increase their body temperature when necessary. They do this by rapidly flapping their wings to increase their body temperature. On the other hand, these unusual creatures of the wild also have the ability to cool their bodies when they want.