Form and Function
Dragonflies are well adapted predators.
Their compound eyes give almost a 360 degree scope of
vision. This
color vision is not the same resolution in the back and
sides of the compound eye (in comparison to the front), but
it provides enough resolution to catch movement (Berger,
2004). They
also have ocelli that detect light.
These adaptations have allowed dragonflies to analyze
their surroundings with a remarkable reaction time.
This aids them in their ability to catch moving prey
in the air, or avoid predators.
Dragonflies’ bodies are built for
speed. With a
long, slender body and massive wings, some dragonflies can
fly at estimated speeds of 25-35 miles per hour (Berger,
2004), maximizing their predatory abilities.
In addition to this streamlined body, their large,
powerful wings provide maneuverability for ducking in
between reeds or other aquatic vegetation.
This efficiency can be compared to their larval
stage. Dragonfly
larvae, or nymphs, are built to be efficient swimmers.