Dragonfly
Order Odonata
Ancient Giants
Before the dinosaurs, dragonflies were the kings of the air. Some ancient species, called Meganeura, were as large as small hawks with wingspans over 2 feet wide!
Super Speed
They are among the fastest insects in the world, reaching top speeds of 48 to 56 km/h (30 to 35 mph).
The "Glow" of the Shell
Many of their blues and metallic colours are not made of "paint" (pigment). Their shells have microscopic structures that reflect light like a prism, creating a metallic glow that changes color depending on your viewing angle.
Field notes
| Range | Found on every continent except Antarctica |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
| Size | 2 to 15 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 0.5 to 1 gram |
| Colour | Metallic & Iridescent |
| Diet | Carnivorous |
| Family | About 6,400 known species of dragonflies and damselflies |
In the book
The Dragonfly is number 65 of the 101 creatures in Glowing Bugs. Its two pages show it from three sides, at its true size, with a map of where it lives. The plate is an artistic interpretation and does not show the true colours of the living animal.
