Dragonflies

Dragonflies - Hunters in the Sun

Dragonflies are among the most easily-recognisable and entertaining of all insects. Many are brilliantly coloured in dazzling shades of red, blue and green. All are predators, hunting-down other insects in aerial chases comparable to the pursuits of falcons and goshawks. Indeed, dragonflies can be regarded as the ‘raptors' of the insect world.

‘Dragonflying'

Due to their bright colouration and conspicuous behaviour, dragonflies quickly attract attention. Anyone walking close to a river or marsh will be aware of them, while fishermen and birdwatchers constantly encounter dragonflies as they pursue their outdoor hobbies. In many parts of the world dragonfly-watching is a hobby in itself, and once you have field guide to the different species and begin to learn about their fascinating habits it is a captivating branch of nature study - ‘dragonflying'.

Prehistoric Giants

Dragonflies and their damselfly relatives, belong to the insect order Odonata. They are among the most ancient insect orders with fossil dragonflies predating the earliest dinosaurs by some 100 million years. Some of these prehistoric dragonflies were up to five times the size of today's large emperor dragonflies and had a wingspan equivalent to that of a modern-day duck! Dragonflies were perhaps the first of all creatures to have the capacity for flight and their basic design is mimicked by man's helicopter invention.

African diversity

There are approximately 750 species of dragonfly in Africa, with the greatest diversity in the tropics. South Africa is home to 158 species (90 ‘true' dragonflies, and 68 damselflies). Dragonflies differ from damselflies in being stouter and larger in shape, having eyes which are joined on the top of the head, and in having differently shaped fore and hind wings.

In the summertime

Armed with the above field guide, it is an exciting prospect to visit watery places and identify the variety of species. Close-focusing binoculars are a great asset. Indivuals can be captured in a net for identification, and then released. Like all insects, dragonflies are only active in warm weather and the majority of adults die at the onset of winter. Their eggs and larvae, however, can withstand the cold and a new generation of adults emerge in spring. In the sub-tropical and tropical parts of the world, dragonflies are active throughout the year.

Emperors, Skimmers, Dropwings, Jewels and Sprites

On a warm sunny day, six or more species of dragonfly will be present at just about any waterbody. The massive Emperors course low above the surface in pursuit of flies, bees and even smaller dragonflies. Skimmers and Dropwings perch conspicuously on fringing grass or reeds, bursting out to chase rivals or capture prey. Impossibly brilliant Jewels glitter alongside rapids, and delicate Sprites dance above the shallows. They provide excellent subjects for photographyand video enthusiasts and will provide hours of enjoyment. Because dragonflies are predators, their presence, abundance and diversity is an indication of the health of aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, they are ideal candidates for conservation attention.

-Duncan Butchart-

Posted: Other by CC Africa, Date: 21 November 2006