Dragonfly – insect with ancient wings

Dragonflies are flying insects with two pairs of see-through wings, huge eyes, and long bodies. They live near lakes, streams, and ponds throughout most of the world. There are about 2,500 species of dragonfly. Dragonflies are ancient insects, dating back before the beginning of the reign of the dinosaurs some 225 million years ago. Present–day dragonflies do not differ very much from their ancestors.
Dragonflies feed mostly on other insects. They are very fast and their large eyes allow them to spot prey above, below, in front, behind, and on both sides of them. They can fly at the speed of up to 57 km / h. Dragonflies are considered the most dangerous predators.

The effectiveness of their hunting reaches 95%. For one day, the dragonfly can eat up to 40 flies. They are able to destroy a huge number of bloodsucking insects.
Dragonfly larvae live in water and use a pair of fanglike pincers to catch worms, tadpoles, and small fish. The larvae shed their skin several times.
The largest representatives of dragonflies live up to seven years.

The Hine’s emerald dragonfly, also known as the Ohio emerald dragonfly, is a fairly large dragonfly. It has a yellow labrum, metallic green frons and two yellow stripes on the dark thorax. It was originally discovered in Ohio. Habitat destruction is the primary cause for the decline of this species.
Europeans believed that the dragonfly was a symbol of lightness, grace, summer approach, and also light-mindedness and egoism. Later, in the time of decadence, the dragonfly became the symbol of a femme fatale.
The combination of lightness, swiftness and predatory nature inspired artists, poets, jewelers – they created many beautiful works of art, identifying the dragonfly with femininity and unsolved female nature. In ancient art, the dragonfly was depicted as a symbol of idyllic calm and beauty.
In Feng Shui, a dragonfly is a symbol of the wind, the element of air, immortality, rebirth.

Dragonfly – insect with ancient wings