Amazing Facts : Dragonflies Can Fly Backward Like Helicopters
Dragonflies Can Fly Backward – Nature’s Tiny Aerial Masters
Observed the behaviour of a dragonfly near a pond? You might see something interesting. These beautiful insects do not only move for great distances in a straight line. They can hover in one spot, and even move in a vertical plane. No other flying insects have such diverse and extraordinary abilities.
How Dragonflies Fly Like Helicopters
The special qualities of dragonflies has to do with the unique and special formation of the dragonfly. They do not move both wings in a synchronised manner. While other flying insects such as bees, move both wings in a synchronised fashion, dragonflies can move the front and back wings separately. This results in a helicopter-like movability.
Research from the University of Cambridge has proven that these unique hovering and moving techniques are due to moving both the front and back wings in separate manners. That’s why they can hover smoothly and fly backward without losing balance.
Speed and Agility in the Air
Dragonflies are not only skilful and deadly hunters, but also some of the fastest insects. Some people move at 30-35Km in an hour. They are one of the fastest flying insects. The sharp and unpredictable manner in which they move for hunting, gives them a huge 95% accuracy in catching prey and in hunting in mid-air, as proven by the Smithsonian Institution. The dragonfly has even adapted to the hunting skills. They have the unique ability to signal and move in a sport in which they can. They do not have the unique hunting techniques and skills to do this.
Their unique structure and 360-degree vision enable them to follow and capture mosquitoes and flies with pinpoint accuracy.
Ancient Flyers With Modern Skills
Before the dawn of the dinosaurs, dragonflies roamed the Earth. Fossils testify to the existence of ancient dragonflies with seagull-sized wings. Their flight abilities and the persistence of hovering, backward flight, and fine control of flight has helped them survive the ages.
Next Time You Spot One…
Observe the dragonfly pirouetting and hovering over the pond. You are observing one of the best flyers crafted by nature, built for incredible controlled and powerful flight, and perfect aerodynamic abilities.
References
