Dragonflies are one of the most widespread species in the world, living in every continent except for Antarctica. While they mostly live in temperate or warm environments, you have probably seen a dragonfly at least once. Dragonflies are incredible creatures, but they also have some pretty unique characteristics. Enjoy these six weird facts about dragonflies, and see if you know any of them.
6. Dragonflies are older than dinosaurs
Our sixth selection for weird facts about dragonflies applies to their presence on Earth. This insect has been around for a very long time and is one of the oldest animals on the planet. Fossils date the dragonfly back more than 300 million years, which means they are older than some dinosaurs. If you went back in time, you would meet the ancestor called the meganisoptera, which lived from 323 million to 250 million years BC.
5. Dragonflies are better hunters than lions
While some weird facts about dragonflies aren’t that surprising, their hunting habits are downright unbelievable. A study was conducted at the University of Harvard to measure how often predatory animals launch an attack that results in a kill. They found that dragonflies were the most effective predator, with a 97% success rate, compared to lions, who only catch their prey half the time. Adult dragonflies are almost exclusively carnivores, so it makes sense they would be great hunters.
4. Dragonflies are capable of camouflage mid-flight
Our fourth selection for weird facts about dragonflies does not apply to all the species, but it is incredibly fascinating. Researchers have recorded that a dragonfly species called the Australian emperor dragonfly has used a method of motion camouflage during territorial fights. This means the dragonfly flies in a certain way to appear as if they aren’t moving at all, even though they are moving incredibly fast towards their opponent.
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3. Dragonflies can control all four wings independently
Dragonflies are nimble creatures due in large part to their wings. Our third selection for weird facts about dragonflies also pertains to their wing skills because the insects can beat all of their wings independently. This means that dragonflies have different methods of flight, like hovering, slow, fast, or changing direction. Some dragonflies can also free-glide, with females often gliding behind males while mating mid-flight.
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2. Dragonflies live the majority of their life underwater
Our second selection for weird facts about dragonflies centers around their life. While we may only see dragonflies in the air, buzzing around our faces, most of their life is spent underwater. Adults lay their eggs in the tissue of aquatic plants or on the surface of the water, so when they hatch, the nymphs spend several years underwater. Some species may live underwater for up to six years until they transfer to the adult stage, where they usually live between one to eight weeks. Then they lay their eggs, and the cycle continues.
1. Dragonflies breathe through holes in their abdomen
Our first selection for weird facts about dragonflies may be the most surprising. While they do use their mouths to catch and eat prey, dragonflies do not breathe through their mouth. Instead, dragonflies breathe through holes in their abdomens. This is due to their lifecycle, as the dragonflies spend much of their time underwater, breathing through gills. When they reach the adult stage, dragonflies still breathe through the abdomen, but instead through spiracles.
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