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Dragonfly on loosestrife blossom
Here be dragonflies
Dragonflies are among the most ancient insects on Earth, their ancestors' fossils dating back over 300 million years (some were as long as your forearm... yikes!). Their flight is a marvel of natural engineering – with their four delicate-looking yet powerful wings, each pair controlled independently, they can hover, glide and even fly backwards. The loosestrife this dragonfly has lit upon is a common wetland plant, often found near ponds and marshes where dragonflies reproduce – alongside their prey, including mosquitoes and other small insects. Dragonflies are not only skilled hunters, their presence is also an indicator of environmental health, since they rely on very clean water to breed, and a balanced ecosystem to feed.
Here be dragonflies
Dragonflies are among the most ancient insects on Earth, their ancestors' fossils dating back over 300 million years (some were as long as your forearm... yikes!). Their flight is a marvel of natural engineering – with their four delicate-looking yet powerful wings, each pair controlled independently, they can hover, glide and even fly backwards. The loosestrife this dragonfly has lit upon is a common wetland plant, often found near ponds and marshes where dragonflies reproduce – alongside their prey, including mosquitoes and other small insects. Dragonflies are not only skilled hunters, their presence is also an indicator of environmental health, since they rely on very clean water to breed, and a balanced ecosystem to feed.
Dragonflies are not only skilled hunters, their presence is also an indicator of environmental health.
© I am happy taking photographs. / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :