Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Did you know? Facts about Dragonflies

by Dena Tollefson

Did you know...
The dragonfly can fly up to 30 mph. That is speeding in some neighborhoods! They can even fly backwards.

Did you know...
Dragonflies represent light and joy in the Japanese culture. They represent dear departed ones to some Native Americans. Some people think you will have good luck or hear an excellent  message from far away if a dragonfly lands on you.

Did you know...
Urban legend says a dragonfly lives only one day. This is not true- a dragonfly lives 4 months or longer, some several years. They start out as an egg laid near the water. They hatch into a little larva and spend most of their life in this larva stage where they gobble up mosquito larva and other such tasties. They are hunted by fish and frogs during this time. While underwater, they swim and have gills. Now large and mature, they leave the water, stake claim to a reed or stick, and form a casing. The dragonfly then goes into  the process a butterfly or moth goes through when they transition from larva to adult form... they metamorphasize into their final stage- a beautiful dragonfly.

Did you know...
Dragonflies don't live up to their scary name.  They don't try to bite or sting humans- but watch out if you are an insect!

Click here to learn more about dragonflies http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/faq.html

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