Dragonflies are remarkably good hunters. They can anticipate the movement of their prey and adjust their flight accordingly. Insects are the first invertebrates to have such an advanced skill. They can even position themselves below their target to keep from being noticed. Their brains are highly optimized to determine the precise location of their prey and then control their muscles to intercept them.
Scientists have determined that the brain, eyes, and wings of dragonflies play a critical role in their superior hunting abilities. They have specialized eyeballs that enable them to spot even small black spots in the sky. They also have incredibly powerful wings and muscles that enable them to move fast. And their brains are very similar to those of humans.
Dragonflies have been associated with sinister forces for centuries, and their common names are derived from older names such as “devil’s darning needle.” In Scandinavia, they are known as “troll spindles” and “eye pokers.” The Navajo call them “horse killers” and “devil’s darning needles.” In South America, dragonflies are viewed as evil spirits. However, they are revered in some cultures as a symbol of water.
While dragonflies can live anywhere, they prefer water bodies. They spend their first stage of life as aquatic larvae before emerging as adult dragonflies. They are voracious predators and hunt both small fish and aquatic organisms. Many larger fish also feed on dragonflies.