You might find dragonflies annoying, but there’s more to them than the buzz. These insects are typically harmless and surprisingly complex. Swipe to discover why they are worth learning more about.

Fast and Agile

Dragonflies can zoom around at as fast as 34 mph, with an average speed of nearly 10 mph. They can also fly in various directions, including backwards and sideways! They use their four wings independently, which allows them this flexibility.

Incredible Vision

With 80% of their brain dedicated to vision, these zippy insects can see 360 degrees. They can perceive 200 images per second, whereas humans can only see 30 to 60 frames per second. They can also see colors and wavelengths we cannot, including ultraviolet light.

Highly Effective Hunters

Dragonflies are amazing predators. When they’re young and living in water, they hunt other insects, tiny fish, tadpoles and water worms. As adults, they eat other flying insects and can catch more than 30 mosquitoes a day.

Lots of Diversity

There are more than 3,000 known species of dragonflies, and they’ve been around for more than 300 million years, even predating dinosaurs. They live on every continent except Antarctica, and can be found anywhere there’s clean, fresh water. You’ll find dragonflies in a number of colors, including green, red, yellow, brown, blue and even iridescent hues.

The Way they Breathe

Skip this one if you’re squeamish. Dragonfly nymphs (the life stage between egg and adult) live in water and breathe through gills in their rectums. They propel themselves through the water by shooting water out. Probably more than you wanted to know, but there you have it.

Some Dragonflies Migrate

Many dragonfly species migrate. Northern-dwellers head south as early as July or when temperatures drop in autumn. Some species lay eggs in their destinations and then die. When their young hatch and mature, they’ll fly back north.

They’re Cannibals

While dragonflies eat all kinds of insects, they also eat each other. They’ll also eat damselflies, their close cousins.

Photography: Pinterest/De Vlinderstichting