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#1: Dragonfly Wings




Litinsects #1: Dragonfly Wings

Ever wondered why dragonflies have this dark cell at the front of their wings? This is called a PTEROSTIGMA. This thickened cell is heavier than the rest of the wing, so scientists believe it helps the insects in gliding by reducing vibrations in the wing. Pterostigmata are found in all dragonflies and damselflies and a few other insect groups.

And now for some FUN FACTS about dragonfly wings:

  • Dragonflies are one of the FIRST groups of winged insects to evolve!
  • The shape and vein patterns of dragonfly wings can be used in species identification
  • Dragonflies can operate their fore and hind wings INDEPENDENTLY (which almost no other insects can do!) This gives them a level of control and agility that makes them amazing aerial hunters
  • The globe skimmer dragonfly makes an annual multigenerational migration of 18,000 km (11,000 mi), the LONGEST of any insect
  • Dragonflies and damselflies are easily distinguished by their wings! Dragonflies always hold their wings HORIZONTALLY at rest, while damselflies fold their wings above their body so that they are perpendicular to the ground

And for my favorite fun fact...

  • Meganeuropsis, an ancient relative of dragonflies, is the LARGEST INSECT to ever live with a wingspan of 75 cm (30 in)

More fascinating facts await you TOMORROW 🐞🦗🦟🐛🐜🦋
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