The dragonfly possesses one of the most unique and impressive powers of flight on our planet. Unlike most other insects, they have two pairs of wings that flap independently. They can turn up to 180 degrees in two or three wing beats and generate aerodynamic force—a combination of lift, weight, thrust, and drag—equal to over four times their own body weight. They can hover and glide. They are so adept at flying that, in the past couple of years, some researchers have begun studying them to help

Boing, boing, boing... Check out the pogo-ing power of the golden-ringed dragonfly! Most dragonflies either lay their eggs on aquatic vegetation, or lay them and flick them directly into water. Not this species – the females opt for a more forceful approach by stabbing the eggs directly into sediment ↘️↘️↘️ They have super-long ovipositors (the tube-like organ they use to lay eggs) to help them do this. This also makes female golden-ringed dragonflies the longest dragonflies in the UK Have you s

Happy #DragonflyWeek! The fascinating life cycle of dragonflies involves three stages: egg, nymph and adult. When a dragonfly nymph is ready to become an adult, it climbs out of the water, sheds its exoskeleton and leaves behind what is known as an exuviae. Have you ever spotted one of these delicate casings? #DragonflySurvey #WWTCaerlaverock | WWT