Dragonfly (Anisoptera) is a species of non-stinging insert that belongs to the Odonata order. Its characteristic features are large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and a body that is elongated. In most dragonflies the eyes touch, and have about 30,000 facets to their eyes, arranged to give them nearly a 360 degree field of vision.
The dragonfly has three pairs of long, spiny legs, which are all close to the head, they are not capable of walking, but instead use them to stand on plant in order to lay eggs or rest, and also for hunting. The abdomens of adult dragonflies are very long with 10 segments, and are often marked with colorful spots, bands and lines. The long wings of dragonflies can also have distinctive color patterns, as well as venation patters that can be used to sort them into families and species. Males and females have different color patterns within a species. Dragonflies get their color from aging, genetics or are induced by temperature.
When at rest, dragonfly keeps its wings horizontally, or sometimes slightly down and forward. Plus, the hind wings of dragonfly are broad at the base and are larger in size than the front pair of wings. Dragonflies typically eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes. ponds. streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs" are aquatic.
Taken with Nikon D60, dated Sep 2009
