Photo by Jon Sebba of the Arizona State Poetry Society
Stuart Watkins
These beautiful predators are large, aggressive insect hunters and are to be feared. They can hover and turn in tiny spaces. It is reported that adults can fly up to 30 miles per hour, while most average 10 miles per hour.
Some Native American tribes respected them as symbols of a good harvest.
One report said they were symbols of invincibility, because they could fly backwards, sideways, and continue to face forward.
They can catch their prey in midair. Dragonflies catch insects that perch above plant stems and leaves. Some eat caterpillars hanging from trees.
When an insect gets close enough, the dragonfly unfurls its mouthpart that shoots out from its head to capture its prey. Some can even eat tadpoles and minnows.
Lovely to look at but, oh my, if you are an insect in their neighborhood, you better hide.