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{{About|the insect}}
Dragonflies are green.
{{Redirect|Anisoptera|other uses|Anisoptera (disambiguation)}}
{{automatic taxobox
| Anisoptera
| image = Sympetrum flaveolum - side (aka).jpg
| image_caption = [[Yellow-winged Darter]]
| subdivision_ranks = Families
| subdivision =
*[[Aeshnidae]]
*[[Austropetaliidae]]
*[[Chlorogomphidae]]
*[[Cordulegastridae]]
*[[Corduliidae]]
*[[Gomphidae]]
*[[Libellulidae]]
*[[Macromiidae]]
*[[Neopetaliidae]]
*[[Petaluridae]]
*[[Synthemistidae]]
| authority = [[Edmond de Selys Longschamps|Selys]], 1854
}}


A '''dragonfly''' is a winged insect belonging to the order [[Odonata]], the suborder [[Epiprocta]] or, in the strict sense, the infraorder '''Anisoptera''' (from [[Greek language|Greek]] ανισος ''anisos'', "uneven" + πτερος ''pteros'', "wings", due the hindwing being broader than the forewing<ref>[http://tolweb.org/Odonata Odonata at Tree of Life web project.] Retrieved 2011-09-18.</ref>). It is characterized by large [[compound eye|multifaceted eyes]], two pairs of strong transparent [[insect wing|wings]], and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to [[damselflies]], but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Dragonflies possess six legs (like any other insect), but most of them cannot walk well. Dragonflies are some of the fastest insects in the world.<!-- see below -->
MOUSE IN YOUR HOUSE

Dragonflies are valuable [[predation|predators]] that eat [[mosquito]]es, and other small insects like [[fly|flies]], [[bee]]s, [[ant]]s, [[wasp]]s, and very rarely [[butterfly|butterflies]]. They are usually found around marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, and [[wetland]]s because their [[larva]]e, known as "[[nymph (biology)|nymphs]]", are aquatic. There are more than 5000 species of dragonflies existing in the world today. <ref>{{cite book|last=Moore|first=Norman W|title=Dragonflies|year=1997|publisher=IUCN|location=Gland, Switzerland|isbn=2831704200|pages=4}}</ref>

==Classification (Anisozygoptera)==
Formerly, the Anisoptera were given suborder rank beside the "ancient dragonflies" (Anisozygoptera) which were believed to contain the two living species of the genus ''[[Epiophlebia]]'' and numerous fossil ones. More recently it turned out that the "anisozygopterans" form a [[Paraphyly|paraphyletic]] assemblage of [[morphology (biology)|morphologically]] primitive relatives of the Anisoptera. Thus, the Anisoptera (true dragonflies) are reduced to an [[infraorder]] in the new suborder Epiprocta (dragonflies in general). The artificial grouping Anisozygoptera is disbanded, its members being largely recognized as extinct offshoots at various stages of dragonfly [[evolution]]. The two living species formerly placed there — the Asian relict dragonflies — form the infraorder [[Epiophlebioptera]] alongside Anisoptera.

==Flight speed==
[[Robert John Tillyard|Tillyard]] claimed to have recorded the [[Austrophlebia costalis|Southern Giant Darner]] flying at nearly {{convert|60|mph}} in a rough field measurement.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tillyard|first=Robert John|title=The Biology of Dragonflies|year=1917|pages=322–323|url=http://medusa.jcu.edu.au/odonata_digital_literature/Tillyard/tillyard_1917_book_searchable.pdf|accessdate=15 December 2010|quote=I doubt if any greater speed than this occurs amongst Odonata}}</ref> However, the greatest reliable flight speed records are for other types of insects.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Chapter 1 — Fastest Flyer
|url=http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_01.shtml
|author=T. J. Dean
|publisher=[[University of Florida]]
|date=2003-05-01
|work=Book of Insect Records
}}</ref> In general, large dragonflies like the hawkers have a maximum speed of {{convert|10|–|15|m/s|mph}} with average cruising speed of about {{convert|4.5|m/s|mph}}.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Dragonflies|url=http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/frequently-asked-questions|publisher=[[British Dragonfly Society]]|accessdate=5 July 2011}}</ref>

==Dragonflies and damselflies==
[[Image:Ischnura heterosticta02.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ischnura heterosticta|Common Bluetail Damselfly]]]]
[[Damselfly|Damselflies]] (suborder Zygoptera), typically being smaller than dragonflies, are sometimes confused with newly moulted dragonflies. However, once a dragonfly moults, it is already fully grown. There are other distinctions that set them apart: most damselflies hold their wings at rest together above the torso or held slightly open above (such as in the family Lestidae), whereas most dragonflies at rest hold their wings perpendicular to their body, horizontally or occasionally slightly down and forward. Also, the back wing of the dragonfly broadens near the base, caudal to the connecting point at the body, while the back wing of the damselfly is similar to the front wing. The eyes on a damselfly are apart; in most dragonflies the eyes touch. Notable exceptions are the Petaluridae (Petaltails) and the Gomphidae (Clubtails).

The largest living odonate by [[wingspan]] is actually a damselfly from South America, ''[[Megaloprepus caerulatus]]'' {{small|(Drury, 1782)}} while the second largest are females of the dragonfly ''[[Tetracanthagyna plagiata]]'' {{small|(Wilson, 2009)}}. The female ''T. plagiata'' is probably the heaviest living odonate.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Encounters with Tetracanthagyna plagiata (Waterhouse) in Singapore, with an Observation of Oviposition|journal=Nature In Singapore|year=2009|volume=2|pages=115–119|url=http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2009/2009nis115-119.pdf|accessdate=14 December 2010|author=T. M. Leong, S. L. Tay|publisher=[[National University of Singapore]]}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Common species==
[[File:Platetrum depressum 1 Luc Viatour.JPG|thumb|[[Broad-bodied Chaser]]]]
[[File:Tau Emerald inflight edit.jpg|thumb|A Tau Emerald [[Hemicordulia tau]] in mid flight]]

===Northern hemisphere===
{|
|-
| valign="top" |
* [[Emperor (dragonfly)|Emperor]], ''Anax imperator''
* [[Keeled Skimmer]], ''Orthetrum coerulescens''
* [[Black-tailed Skimmer]], ''Orthetrum cancellatum''
* [[Common Whitetail]], ''Libellula lydia''
* [[Migrant Hawker]], ''Aeshna mixta''
* [[Azure Hawker]], ''Aeshna caerulea''
* [[Southern Hawker]], ''Aeshna cyanea''
* [[Norfolk Hawker]], ''Aeshna isosceles''
* [[Common Hawker]], ''Aeshna juncea''
* [[Red-veined Darter]], ''Sympetrum fonscolombii''
* [[Common Darter]], ''Sympetrum striolatum''
* [[Vagrant Darter]], ''Sympetrum vulgatum''
| valign="top" |
* [[Yellow-winged Darter]], ''Sympetrum flaveolum''
* [[Broad-bodied Chaser]], ''Libellula depressa''
* [[Four-spotted Chaser]], ''Libellula quadrimaculata''
* [[Scarce Chaser]], ''Libellula fulva''
* [[Green Darner]], ''Anax junius''
* [[Downy Emerald]], ''Cordulia aenea''
* [[Blue-eyed Darner]], ''Aeshna multicolor''
* [[Roseate Skimmer]], ''Orthemis ferruginea''
* [[Widow Skimmer]], ''Libellula luctuosa''
* [[Great Pondhawk]], ''Erythemis vesiculosa''
* [[Comet Darner]], ''Anax longipes''
* [[Banded Pennant]], ''Celithemis fasciata''
* [[Somatochlora margarita|Texas Emerald]], ''Somatochlora margarita''
|}
{{clear}}

===Southern hemisphere===
[[File:Trithemis kirbyi.jpg|thumb|Kirby's Dropwing (''[[Trithemis kirbyi]]'') in [[Tsumeb]], [[Namibia]].]]
[[File:RubyMhawk.jpg|thumb|right|[[Flame Skimmer]]]]
{{columns-list|2|
* [[Anax speratus|Orange Emperor]] ''Anax speratus''
* [[Common Thorntail]] ''Ceratogomphus pictus''
* [[Notogomphus praetorius|Southern Yellowjack]] ''Notogomphus praetorius''
* [[Acisoma trifidum|Ivory Pintail]] ''Acisoma trifidum''
* [[Brachythemis leucosticta|Banded Groundling]] ''Brachythemis leucosticta''
* [[Crocothemis erythraea|Broad Scarlet]] ''Crocothemis erythraea''
* [[Crocothemis sanguinolenta|Little Scarlet]] ''Crocothemis sanguinolenta''
* [[Diplacodes lefebvrii|Black Percher]] ''Diplacodes lefebvrii''
* [[Nesciothemis farinosa|Black-tailed False-skimmer]] ''Nesciothemis farinosa''
* [[Orthetrum caffrum|Two-striped Skimmer]] ''Orthetrum caffrum''
* [[Orthetrum chrysostigma|Epaulet Skimmer]] ''Orthetrum chrysostigma''
* [[Orthetrum julia|Julia Skimmer]] ''Orthetrum julia''
* [[Trithemis furva|Navy Dropwing]] ''Trithemis furva''
* [[Trithemis kirbyi|Kirby's Dropwing]] ''Trithemis kirbyi''
* [[Trithemis stictica|Jaunty Dropwing]] ''Trithemis stictica''
}}
{{clear}}

==Dragonflies in cultures==
In Europe, dragonflies have often been seen as sinister. Some English vernacular names, such as "[[devil]]'s darning needle" and "ear cutter", link them with evil or injury.<ref name="Corbet-559">{{cite book | last = Corbet | first = Phillip S. | authorlink = | title = Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata | publisher = [[Cornell University Press]] | year = 1999 | location = Ithaca, NY | pages = 559–561 | isbn = 0-8014-2592-1 }}</ref> A [[Romania]]n [[folklore|folk tale]] says that the dragonfly was once a [[horse]] possessed by the devil. [[Sweden|Swedish]] folklore holds that the devil uses dragonflies to weigh people's souls.<ref name="Mitchell">{{cite book | last = Mitchell | first = Forrest L. | authorlink = | coauthors = James L. Lasswell | title = A Dazzle of Dragonflies | publisher = Texas A&M University Press | year = 2005 | location = College Station, TX | url = | doi = | isbn = 1-585-44459-6 }}</ref>{{rp|25–27}} The [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] name for dragonflies is "Øyenstikker", which literally means ''eye-poker'' and in [[Portugal]] they are sometimes called "tira-olhos" (''eye-snatcher''). They are often associated with [[snake]]s, as in the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] name ''gwas-y-neidr'', "[[adder]]'s servant".<ref name="Corbet-559"/> The [[Southern United States]] term "snake doctor" refers to a folk belief that dragonflies follow snakes around and stitch them back together if they are injured.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Hand | first = Wayland D. | authorlink = | title = From Idea to Word: Folk Beliefs and Customs Underlying Folk Speech | journal = American Speech | volume = 48 | issue = 1/2 | pages = 67–76 | publisher = | year = 1973 | doi = 10.2307/3087894| jstor=3087894}}</ref>
[[Image:Sikyatkibowlwithdragonfly.png|thumb|left|Dragonfly symbol on a [[Hopi]] bowl from [[Sikyatki]] archaeological site.]]
For some Native American tribes they represent swiftness and activity, and for the [[Navajo people|Navajo]] they symbolize pure water. Dragonflies are a common motif in [[Zuni people|Zuni]] pottery; stylized as a double-barred cross, they appear in [[Hopi]] rock art and on [[Pueblo people|Pueblo]] necklaces.<ref name="Mitchell"/>{{rp|20–26}}

They have also been used in traditional medicine in Japan and China. In some parts of the world they are a food source, eaten either as adults or larvae; in [[Indonesia]], for example, they are caught on poles made sticky with [[birdlime]], then fried in oil as a [[delicacy]].<ref name="Corbet-559"/>

In the United States dragonflies and [[damselfly|damselflies]] are sought out as a hobby similar to birding and butterflying, known as oding, from the dragonfly's Latin species name, ''odonata''. Oding is especially popular in Texas, where 225 different species of odonates have been observed. With care, and with dry fingers, dragonflies can be handled and released by oders, as can be done with butterflies, though it is not encouraged.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dragonflying: the new birding |author=Tracy Hobson Lehmann |publisher=[[San Antonio Express-News]] |date=June 19, 2008}}</ref>

Images of dragonflies are common in [[Art Nouveau]], especially in jewelry designs.<ref>{{cite news | last = Moonan | first = Wendy | title = Dragonflies Shimmering as Jewelry | work = New York Times | pages = E2:38 | date = August 13, 1999 | id = ProQuest document ID 43893085}}</ref> They also appear in posters by modern artists such as [[Maeve Harris]].<ref name=twsSEPxvz404>{{cite web
| title = The Maeve Harris category contains 37 items
| publisher = AllPosters.com
| date = 2009-09-18
| url = http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=470111166&c=c&search=41107&DestType=12&Referrer%20=http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=com.ubuntu%3Aen-US%3Aunofficial&hs=&KWID=17261181&KEYWORD=Maeve+Harris&SEM=lang%3D1%26c%3Dc%26search%3D41107%26AID%3D470111166%26KWID%3D17261181%26Keyword%3DMaeve%2BHarris
| accessdate = 2009-09-18
}}</ref> They have also been used as a decorative motif on fabrics and home furnishings.<ref>{{cite news | last = Large | first = Elizabeth | title = The latest buzz; In the world of design, dragonflies are flying high | work = The Sun (Baltimore, MD) | pages = 6N | date = June 27, 1999 | id = ProQuest document ID 42880564 }}</ref> [[Douglas (motorcycles)|Douglas]], a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bristol, named their innovatively designed post-war 350cc flat twin model, the [[Douglas Dragonfly|Dragonfly]].

===Japan===
As a seasonal symbol in [[Japan]], the dragonfly is associated with early and late [[summer]] and early autumn.<ref>{{cite book | last = Baird | first = Merrily | title = Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design | publisher = Rizzoli | year = 2001 | location = New York | isbn = 0-8478-2361-X | pages = 108–9}}</ref>

More generally, in Japan dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature, especially [[haiku]]. The love for dragonflies is reflected in the fact that there are traditional names for almost all of the 200 species of dragonflies found in and around Japan.<ref>{{cite book | last = Waldbauer | first = Gilbert | authorlink = | title = The Handy Bug Answer Book| publisher = Visible Ink Press | year = 1998 | location = Detroit | isbn = 1-57859-049-3 | pages = 91 }}</ref> Japanese children catch large dragonflies as a game, using a hair with a small pebble tied to each end, which they throw into the air. The dragonfly mistakes the pebbles for prey, gets tangled in the hair, and is dragged to the ground by the weight.<ref name="Mitchell"/>{{rp|38}}

As it symbolizes courage, boys are given the name of "Tonbo", meaning dragonfly. The shape of the archipelago of Japan, as seen on a map, is said to be that of a dragonfly. Hence the leading male character in [[Kiki's Delivery Service]], in a non-Japanese setting, is named "Tonbo" so that the Japanese audience can identify him.

Beyond this one of Japan's former names – 秋津島 or あきつしま ''(Akitsushima)'' – is literally an archaic form of Dragonfly Island(s).<ref>Nussbaum, Louis Frédéric ''et al.'' (2005). "Akitsushima" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|''Japan encyclopedia,'' p. 20.|page=20}}</ref> This is attributed to a legend in which Japan's mythical founder, [[Emperor Jinmu]], was bitten by a [[mosquito]], which was then promptly eaten by a dragonfly.<ref>[http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/nmb//viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6663 Nihonto]</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= 日本文化を英語で紹介する事典: A Bilingual Handbook on Japanese Culture |last= 杉浦 (Sugiura) |first= 洋一 (Youichi) |coauthors= ジョン・K・ギレスピー (John K. Gillespie) |year= 1999 |publisher= 株式会社ナツメ社 ([[Kabushiki gaisha]] Natsume Group) |location= 日本国東京都千代田区 (Chiyoda, [[JP-13]]) |language= [[Japanese language|Japanese]] & English|isbn= 4-8163-2646-4 |page= 305 |url= http://www.natsume.co.jp |accessdate= 2010-04-26}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Aeshnoidea]]
* [[Cordulegastroidea]]
* [[Elliot Pinhey]]
* [[Libelluloidea]]
* [[List of British dragonflies]]
* [[Obelisk posture]]

==References==<!-- ActaPalaeontolPol53:165. Zootaxa87:1. -->
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Anisoptera}}
{{wikispecies}}
* [http://tolweb.org/Odonata/8266 Tree of Life Odonata]
* {{dmoz|Science/Biology/Flora_and_Fauna/Animalia/Arthropoda/Insecta/Odonata/}}
* [http://www.habitas.org.uk/dragonflyireland/key1.htm Identification key to dragonflies found in Ireland]
* [http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/index.htm British Dragonfly Society]
* [http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/dfly/dflyusa.htm Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of the United States]
* [http://www.africa-dragonfly.net/Articles/ECHO_PHAON_Intro.php Phaon (Pinhey's Heritage African Odonata Network)]
* [http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/odonata/odonata.htm Dragonflies and damselflies] on the [[University of Florida|UF]] / [[Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences|IFAS]] Featured Creatures Web site
* Photos of dragonflies from [http://www.asia-dragonfly.net/ Asia-dragonfly.net], [http://www.africa-dragonfly.net/ Africa-dragonfly.net], [http://www.america-dragonfly.net/ America-Dragonfly.net], [http://www.libellulasman.com Libellulasman.com] and [http://www.odonata.su/index.php?name=Photos Odonata.su]
* [http://media.library.uiuc.edu/cgi/b/bib/bix-idx?type=simple&c=bix&sid=54d8a20e4f1eb5f2de074bad4caba7ae&Submit=search&sort=title&q1=dragonflies&rgn1=Entire+record list of field guides to dragonflies], from the International Field Guides Database

[[Category:Odonata]]
[[Category:Dragonflies| ]]
[[Category:Living fossils]]
[[Category:Biological pest control agents]]

[[af:Naaldekoker]]
[[bjn:Sisiur]]
[[bn:ফড়িং]]
[[zh-min-nan:Chhân-eⁿ]]
[[map-bms:Kinjeng]]
[[ca:Anisòpter]]
[[cs:Šídla]]
[[sn:Mukonikoni]]
[[cy:Gwas y neidr]]
[[da:Ægte guldsmede]]
[[de:Großlibellen]]
[[nv:Tániilʼáí]]
[[et:Eristiivalised]]
[[el:Λιβελούλη]]
[[es:Anisoptera]]
[[eu:Sorgin-orratz]]
[[fa:سنجاقک]]
[[fr:Anisoptera]]
[[gl:Libélula]]
[[ko:잠자리하목]]
[[hi:व्याध पतंग]]
[[io:Libelulo]]
[[id:Capung]]
[[it:Anisoptera]]
[[he:שפיריות]]
[[jv:Semprang]]
[[ku:Serteşî]]
[[lv:Dažādspārnu spāres]]
[[lt:Skirtingasparniai žirgeliai]]
[[hu:Egyenlőtlen szárnyú szitakötők]]
[[ml:കല്ലൻ തുമ്പികൾ]]
[[ms:Pepatung]]
[[nah:Apipiyalotl]]
[[nl:Echte libellen]]
[[ja:トンボ亜目]]
[[no:Øyenstikkere og libeller]]
[[nds:Echte Goldpeer]]
[[pl:Ważki różnoskrzydłe]]
[[pt:Libelinha]]
[[ro:Libelulă]]
[[ru:Разнокрылые]]
[[sc:Predi de arrìu]]
[[simple:Dragonfly]]
[[sl:Raznokrili kačji pastirji]]
[[su:Papatong]]
[[fi:Aitosudenkorennot]]
[[sv:Egentliga trollsländor]]
[[tl:Tutubi]]
[[ta:தட்டாரப்பூச்சி]]
[[th:แมลงปอ]]
[[to:Kisikisi]]
[[chr:ᏩᏓᏚᎦ]]
[[tr:Yusufçuk]]
[[uk:Різнокрилі]]
[[vi:Chuồn chuồn ngô]]
[[war:Tambuburay]]
[[zh-yue:蜻蜓]]
[[bat-smg:Laumžėrgis]]
[[zh:蜻蜓]]

Revision as of 07:08, 9 March 2012

This article is about the insect. For other uses, see Dragonfly (disambiguation).
"Anisoptera" redirects here. For other uses, see Anisoptera (disambiguation).

Dragonfly
Yellow-winged Darter
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Missing taxonomy template (fix): Dragonfly
Families

A dragonfly is a winged insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera (from Greek ανισος anisos, "uneven" + πτερος pteros, "wings", due the hindwing being broader than the forewing[1]). It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Dragonflies possess six legs (like any other insect), but most of them cannot walk well. Dragonflies are some of the fastest insects in the world.

Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, wasps, and very rarely butterflies. They are usually found around marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. There are more than 5000 species of dragonflies existing in the world today. [2]

Classification (Anisozygoptera)

Formerly, the Anisoptera were given suborder rank beside the "ancient dragonflies" (Anisozygoptera) which were believed to contain the two living species of the genus Epiophlebia and numerous fossil ones. More recently it turned out that the "anisozygopterans" form a paraphyletic assemblage of morphologically primitive relatives of the Anisoptera. Thus, the Anisoptera (true dragonflies) are reduced to an infraorder in the new suborder Epiprocta (dragonflies in general). The artificial grouping Anisozygoptera is disbanded, its members being largely recognized as extinct offshoots at various stages of dragonfly evolution. The two living species formerly placed there — the Asian relict dragonflies — form the infraorder Epiophlebioptera alongside Anisoptera.

Flight speed

Tillyard claimed to have recorded the Southern Giant Darner flying at nearly 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in a rough field measurement.[3] However, the greatest reliable flight speed records are for other types of insects.[4] In general, large dragonflies like the hawkers have a maximum speed of 10–15 metres per second (22–34 mph) with average cruising speed of about 4.5 metres per second (10 mph).[5]

Dragonflies and damselflies

Common Bluetail Damselfly

Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera), typically being smaller than dragonflies, are sometimes confused with newly moulted dragonflies. However, once a dragonfly moults, it is already fully grown. There are other distinctions that set them apart: most damselflies hold their wings at rest together above the torso or held slightly open above (such as in the family Lestidae), whereas most dragonflies at rest hold their wings perpendicular to their body, horizontally or occasionally slightly down and forward. Also, the back wing of the dragonfly broadens near the base, caudal to the connecting point at the body, while the back wing of the damselfly is similar to the front wing. The eyes on a damselfly are apart; in most dragonflies the eyes touch. Notable exceptions are the Petaluridae (Petaltails) and the Gomphidae (Clubtails).

The largest living odonate by wingspan is actually a damselfly from South America, Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782) while the second largest are females of the dragonfly Tetracanthagyna plagiata (Wilson, 2009). The female T. plagiata is probably the heaviest living odonate.[6]

Common species

Broad-bodied Chaser
A Tau Emerald Hemicordulia tau in mid flight

Northern hemisphere

Southern hemisphere

Kirby's Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi) in Tsumeb, Namibia.
Flame Skimmer
2

Dragonflies in cultures

In Europe, dragonflies have often been seen as sinister. Some English vernacular names, such as "devil's darning needle" and "ear cutter", link them with evil or injury.[7] A Romanian folk tale says that the dragonfly was once a horse possessed by the devil. Swedish folklore holds that the devil uses dragonflies to weigh people's souls.[8]: 25–27  The Norwegian name for dragonflies is "Øyenstikker", which literally means eye-poker and in Portugal they are sometimes called "tira-olhos" (eye-snatcher). They are often associated with snakes, as in the Welsh name gwas-y-neidr, "adder's servant".[7] The Southern United States term "snake doctor" refers to a folk belief that dragonflies follow snakes around and stitch them back together if they are injured.[9]

Dragonfly symbol on a Hopi bowl from Sikyatki archaeological site.

For some Native American tribes they represent swiftness and activity, and for the Navajo they symbolize pure water. Dragonflies are a common motif in Zuni pottery; stylized as a double-barred cross, they appear in Hopi rock art and on Pueblo necklaces.[8]: 20–26 

They have also been used in traditional medicine in Japan and China. In some parts of the world they are a food source, eaten either as adults or larvae; in Indonesia, for example, they are caught on poles made sticky with birdlime, then fried in oil as a delicacy.[7]

In the United States dragonflies and damselflies are sought out as a hobby similar to birding and butterflying, known as oding, from the dragonfly's Latin species name, odonata. Oding is especially popular in Texas, where 225 different species of odonates have been observed. With care, and with dry fingers, dragonflies can be handled and released by oders, as can be done with butterflies, though it is not encouraged.[10]

Images of dragonflies are common in Art Nouveau, especially in jewelry designs.[11] They also appear in posters by modern artists such as Maeve Harris.[12] They have also been used as a decorative motif on fabrics and home furnishings.[13] Douglas, a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bristol, named their innovatively designed post-war 350cc flat twin model, the Dragonfly.

Japan

As a seasonal symbol in Japan, the dragonfly is associated with early and late summer and early autumn.[14]

More generally, in Japan dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature, especially haiku. The love for dragonflies is reflected in the fact that there are traditional names for almost all of the 200 species of dragonflies found in and around Japan.[15] Japanese children catch large dragonflies as a game, using a hair with a small pebble tied to each end, which they throw into the air. The dragonfly mistakes the pebbles for prey, gets tangled in the hair, and is dragged to the ground by the weight.[8]: 38 

As it symbolizes courage, boys are given the name of "Tonbo", meaning dragonfly. The shape of the archipelago of Japan, as seen on a map, is said to be that of a dragonfly. Hence the leading male character in Kiki's Delivery Service, in a non-Japanese setting, is named "Tonbo" so that the Japanese audience can identify him.

Beyond this one of Japan's former names – 秋津島 or あきつしま (Akitsushima) – is literally an archaic form of Dragonfly Island(s).[16] This is attributed to a legend in which Japan's mythical founder, Emperor Jinmu, was bitten by a mosquito, which was then promptly eaten by a dragonfly.[17][18]

See also

References

  1. ^ Odonata at Tree of Life web project. Retrieved 2011-09-18.
  2. ^ Moore, Norman W (1997). Dragonflies. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. p. 4. ISBN 2831704200.
  3. ^ Tillyard, Robert John (1917). The Biology of Dragonflies (PDF). pp. 322–323. Retrieved 15 December 2010. I doubt if any greater speed than this occurs amongst Odonata
  4. ^ T. J. Dean (2003-05-01). "Chapter 1 — Fastest Flyer". Book of Insect Records. University of Florida.
  5. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions about Dragonflies". British Dragonfly Society. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  6. ^ T. M. Leong, S. L. Tay (2009). "Encounters with Tetracanthagyna plagiata (Waterhouse) in Singapore, with an Observation of Oviposition" (PDF). Nature In Singapore. 2. National University of Singapore: 115–119. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
  7. ^ a b c Corbet, Phillip S. (1999). Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. pp. 559–561. ISBN 0-8014-2592-1.
  8. ^ a b c Mitchell, Forrest L. (2005). A Dazzle of Dragonflies. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 1-585-44459-6. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Hand, Wayland D. (1973). "From Idea to Word: Folk Beliefs and Customs Underlying Folk Speech". American Speech. 48 (1/2): 67–76. doi:10.2307/3087894. JSTOR 3087894.
  10. ^ Tracy Hobson Lehmann (June 19, 2008). "Dragonflying: the new birding". San Antonio Express-News.
  11. ^ Moonan, Wendy (August 13, 1999). "Dragonflies Shimmering as Jewelry". New York Times. pp. E2:38. ProQuest document ID 43893085.
  12. ^ "The Maeve Harris category contains 37 items". AllPosters.com. 2009-09-18. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
  13. ^ Large, Elizabeth (June 27, 1999). "The latest buzz; In the world of design, dragonflies are flying high". The Sun (Baltimore, MD). pp. 6N. ProQuest document ID 42880564.
  14. ^ Baird, Merrily (2001). Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design. New York: Rizzoli. pp. 108–9. ISBN 0-8478-2361-X.
  15. ^ Waldbauer, Gilbert (1998). The Handy Bug Answer Book. Detroit: Visible Ink Press. p. 91. ISBN 1-57859-049-3.
  16. ^ Nussbaum, Louis Frédéric et al. (2005). "Akitsushima" in Japan encyclopedia, p. 20., p. 20, at Google Books
  17. ^ Nihonto
  18. ^ 杉浦 (Sugiura), 洋一 (Youichi) (1999). 日本文化を英語で紹介する事典: A Bilingual Handbook on Japanese Culture (in Japanese & English). 日本国東京都千代田区 (Chiyoda, JP-13): 株式会社ナツメ社 (Kabushiki gaisha Natsume Group). p. 305. ISBN 4-8163-2646-4. Retrieved 2010-04-26. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
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