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Dragonflies

Birds and butterflies aren't the only creatures to make a southerly migration in the fall since many species of dragonflies head south as well seeking warmer climes. While it is known that these insects migrate, very little work has been done on their movements so we don't know how far south they travel or what cues they use to guide them on their journey. And since none of the insects that migrate have ever made the journey before it's currently a mystery as to how they "know" which direction to navigate.

Look for them as cold fronts pass through our area in October since they use these fronts to "surf" their way south. The easiest place to spot them is, surprisingly, large parking lots with lots of cars. The cars shiny, reflective surfaces fool the dragonflies into thinking they're over water and many of the insects "test the waters" by dipping their abdomens onto the upper surfaces of the autos.

History

Dragonflies are one of the oldest insect groups on the planet. They're also one of the least changed in external form. Fossil specimens nearly identical to modern species have been found in rock over 300 million years old. Except for size (some ancient dragonflies had thirty inch wingspans) dragonflies have changed little in the ensuing eons.

Diet

Dragonflies are one of the top predators of the insect world. Voracious and insatiable dragonfly larvae eventually transform into voracious and insatiable adults. Nothing smaller that flies is safe. They've even been known to attack hummingbirds. But their chief utility to humans is as mosquito killers - it's not for nothing that another of their common names is "Mosquito Hawk".

Folklore

Contrary to folklore dragonflies do not sting (they lack any sort of stinger), nor do they sew up bad boys ears and eyes while they sleep. However anyone handling a living dragonfly should be wary of their powerful jaws which can inflict a nasty bite... assuming you can catch one.

Dragonfly Renaissance

Dragonflies are currently undergoing a cultural renaissance with dragonfly watching beginning to rival bird watching as a summer pastime in some quarters. There are numerous web sites now devoted to these fascinating insects and even more numerous clubs springing up to stalk them in fields and along pond margins. And unlike birds, dragonflies are still so little known that new species are still being discovered - even here in the long-settled eastern US.

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