10 Interesting Facts About Dragonflies, Animals Older than Dinosaurs and Skilled Hunters

10 Fakta Menarik Capung, Hewan yang Lebih Tua dari Dinosaurus dan Pemburu Andal

"10 Interesting Facts about Dragonflies, Animals that are Older than Dinosaurs and Skilled Hunters"

Dragonflies are not unfamiliar to us. This small insect has actually been living for a long time, even before the existence of dinosaurs. Currently, there are more than 5,000 species of dragonflies on Earth, and there are many interesting facts about this insect. So, what are the interesting facts about dragonflies that have been living longer than dinosaurs?

1. Dragonfly is a Prehistoric Animal

It sounds surprising, but dragonflies have explored the earth long before dinosaurs appeared. Scientists agree to declare their existence 300 million years ago, more than 60 million years before dinosaurs appeared. The ancestors of modern dragonflies are not only older but also giants. Scientists associate this with high levels of oxygen during the Palaeozoic era.

2. Dragonflies Start Their Life by Swimming Instead of Flying

Like other insects, dragonflies begin their lives underwater as eggs. These creatures can reproduce in environments that are saltier than seawater.

After hatching, they spend most of their lives underwater. Dragonflies have an average lifespan of 2-5 years, during which they molt up to 12 times. Some species are known to live up to 6 years before emerging and transforming into adults. Dragonfly larvae adapt to their environment, having gills to breathe and the ability to capture prey with lightning speed.

3. Dragonflies are Extraordinary Flyers

The following is the translation of the 'Bahasa' text to 'English' while preserving any html tags: "This small insect is one of the most powerful flyers in the animal kingdom. Its wings consist of a network of veins and membranes, enabling their remarkable flying abilities. Their agility is unmatched, and they can fly at speeds of 30 miles/hour. This explains their ability to travel across the sea."

The complex wing design, they possess flexibility, agility, and adaptability. This also explains their ability to change direction instantly.

10 Interesting Facts About Dragonflies, Animals Older than Dinosaurs and Skilled Hunters

4. One of the Most Successful Hunters in Nature

Dragonflies are extraordinary hunters and can compete with sharks and lions successfully, even possibly better.

The translation of the given 'Bahasa' text to 'English' while preserving any HTML tags is: "The hunting level surpasses lions and sharks."

"As a prehistoric animal, this extraordinary hunter has perfected the art of flying and hunting. Unlike lions and sharks, which have success rates of 25% and 50% respectively, dragonflies have a record-breaking success rate of 95%."

5. As much as 80% of the Dragonfly's Brain is Used to Analyze Visual Information

Like most insects, the compound eyes of dragonflies are multi-faceted with up to 30,000 facets. Each facet can create its own image, allowing dragonflies to see images at a 360-degree angle with only one blind spot behind them. In addition, 80% of their brain is used to process these images.

Dragonflies cannot feel the dazzling effects of the sun due to their ability to see light, which helps them during hunting. With this incredible eye feature, they can isolate potential prey within a group and easily capture it without colliding with other group members.

6. Female Dragonflies Pretend to Be Dead to Avoid Partner Search

It sounds funny, but this method effectively keeps unwanted male dragonflies away. In some dragonfly species, female dragonflies often do not realize when they are about to mate. Usually, male dragonflies wait at the edge of the pond to attack unsuspecting female dragonflies in order to mate.

"In order to avoid being forced to copulate, the female dragonfly pretends to crash into the ground and lies still until the unwanted suitor goes away."

7. Dragonflies Provide Benefits to the Environment

Dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes and insect pests for humans. Because they have a large appetite, one dragonfly can consume up to 100 mosquitoes per day.

8. Dragonfly Wings Capable of Destroying Bacteria

Dragonfly wings consist of many interconnected small nano structures that are only visible under a microscope. These nano structures resemble fingers and can capture any bacteria that pass over the wing's surface.

The sticky and nail-like surface tears the bacterial membrane as the bacteria attempt to detach themselves.

9. Dragonflies are Able to Regulate Their Body Temperature
Like most insects, dragonflies are cold-blooded, but they do not rely on nature to stay warm. Dragonflies can increase their body temperature through a series of vibrating movements.

When perching, they strategically position their bodies to maximize the area exposed to sunlight.

10. Dragonflies Have High Cognitive Activities

Dragonflies have the ability to focus on their target prey. Sometimes, their prey is part of a group. After the dragonfly locks onto its target, its brain activity filters out other prey, allowing it to focus on the intended prey.

This ability also helps him determine the best way to capture prey.

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