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Brown Hawker Dragonfly

The earliest fossil dragonflies date back 300 million years and although some in the past were monsters, their overall shape has changed little since those early days. Although today’s dragonflies can reach wingspans of over 10cms, some of their fossil relatives were more than seven times this size, long before dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Today there are approximately 6,000 named dragonfly species in the world and 55 of these live in Britain and Ireland. Some interesting facts about Dragonflies: Each dragonfly wing can be operated separately. A flexible joint on the leading edge of each wing allows the insect to twist more strongly as it turns. They are able to fly at more than 20 miles per hour and can fly backwards. Adult dragonflies have virtually 360 degree vision, with only the area directly behind the head, where the wings and body naturally interrupt the image, being unseen. They live for two to three years under the water and for two to six months above the water. They are voracious predators. They feed on other insect larvae, worms, leeches and even small tadpoles and fish. Up to 90% of young dragonflies are eaten by birds, frogs and other small mammals.

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Brown Hawker Dragonfly.jpg
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 Chris Connolly - All Right Reserved.
Image Size
5603x3685 / 8.1MB
Contained in galleries
Macro : Wildlife
The earliest fossil dragonflies date back 300 million years and although some in the past were monsters, their overall shape has changed little since those early days. Although today’s dragonflies can reach wingspans of over 10cms, some of their fossil relatives were more than seven times this size, long before dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Today there are approximately 6,000 named dragonfly species in the world and 55 of these live in Britain and Ireland. Some interesting facts about Dragonflies: Each dragonfly wing can be operated separately. A flexible joint on the leading edge of each wing allows the insect to twist more strongly as it turns. They are able to fly at more than 20 miles per hour and can fly backwards. Adult dragonflies have virtually 360 degree vision, with only the area directly behind the head, where the wings and body naturally interrupt the image, being unseen. They live for two to three years under the water and for two to six months above the water. They are voracious predators. They feed on other insect larvae, worms, leeches and even small tadpoles and fish. Up to 90% of young dragonflies are eaten by birds, frogs and other small mammals.