Dragonflies give hints for the design of better video games, weather forecasting, and missile guidance systems.

Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are masters of flight. Their ability to capture nimble, fast prey on the fly is amazing. It is estimated that they catch 95% of their prey, making them one of humankind’s greatest allies in our battles against mosquitoes and other small biting insects. Harmless to humans, these allies are now revealing other secrets to their high-speed aerial agility. Their abilities may someday help us with everything from search and rescue missions to predicting the weather to better video gaming. In these endeavours, humans have studied not just the majesty of dragonflies, but of other orders of flying insects, each of which has its own way of mastering the skies and of outwitting prey.

Published by prairiehousebooks

Praire House Gallery is an online book and fine arts publisher. We do not accept unsolicited submissions.

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