dragonfly

Dragonflies are predatory insects in the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera. They are among the oldest flying insects, with fossil relatives dating back to the Paleozoic era. Adults have two pairs of long, transparent wings of similar size; the hind wings are broad and move independently during flight. They possess large compound eyes that cover much of the head, providing extensive, nearly panoramic vision. Dragonflies are renowned for their agility, capable of rapid accelerations, hovering, and precise aerial maneuvers.

The life cycle begins in water. Eggs are laid in or near aquatic vegetation, and the aquatic naiads (naiad larvae) develop underwater for several months to years, preying on other aquatic organisms. Naiads breathe through gills and use extendable jaws to capture prey. The final molt occurs when the naiad crawls from the water and wings expand and dry, producing the winged adult.

Adults are active hunters of flying insects, including mosquitoes, and may live from a few weeks to several months depending on the species. Mating involves a tandem formation in which the male grasps the female to transfer sperm; after mating, females lay eggs in water or on submerged vegetation. Dragonflies are found worldwide except Antarctica, with greatest diversity in warm, freshwater-rich regions.

Dragonflies are indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems and are affected by water quality and habitat integrity. Threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, which can reduce populations and alter distributions. Conservation efforts that protect wetlands, improve water quality, and maintain diverse aquatic habitats support dragonfly diversity and the ecological services they provide, including natural pest control.