From the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Evolving some 300 million years ago – long before dinosaurs – dragonflies were one of the first winged insects to inhabit the Earth!

Sitting in the middle of the food chain, they are an important part of freshwater ecosystems as they regulate insect populations and provide important food to predators. As adults, they pluck insects like mosquitoes and midges out of the air and consume them in flight! A single dragonfly can eat 30-100 mosquitoes and biting flies in a day.

Their unique, two-winged design makes dragonflies incredibly agile in the air. They are considered the fastest insect, being clocked at speeds of over 50 km/hour. They can fly in any direction, hover in place, and make 360 degree turns.

These docile insects do not bite or sting and, in fact, it is considered good luck if one lands on you.

Find out more about the incredible dragonfly.