Dragonfly
A predatory insect in the suborder Anisoptera, distinguished from damselflies by its robust body and wings that usually rest spread out.
Dragonfly flight: The aerodynamic and neural processes that let dragonflies hover, accelerate, and maneuver in flight. Independent control of four wings gives dragonflies exceptional maneuverability while hunting.
Insect: An arthropod with three body segments, six legs, and usually one or two pairs of wings. Dragonflies share the defining body plan of insects.
Biological pest control: The use of living organisms to suppress populations of pests. Dragonfly larvae and adults eat mosquitoes and other insects, though their control is limited.
Globe skimmer: A widespread dragonfly species, Pantala flavescens, known for long-distance migrations. Its migrations include journeys across the Indian Ocean.
Dragonfly vision: The visual system of dragonflies, including large compound eyes and motion-sensitive neural circuits. Their broad visual coverage helps detect and intercept moving prey.
Compound eye: An eye made of many optical units called ommatidia, each sampling part of the visual field. Dragonflies' large compound eyes provide wide fields of view.
Bioindicator: An organism whose presence, absence, or condition provides information about environmental quality. Dragonfly communities can reflect changes in freshwater habitat and water quality.
Common green darner: A large North American dragonfly, Anax junius, whose populations include migratory individuals. It provides a well-studied example of seasonal dragonfly migration.
Dragonfly predation: The capture and consumption of animal prey by dragonflies, especially other flying insects. Dragonflies use predictive interception rather than simply pursuing prey's current position.
Aquatic insect: An insect whose life cycle includes living in freshwater or marine environments. Most dragonflies spend their immature stage in freshwater.