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| Dragonflies need our conservation efforts! |
What is your favorite insect? How many people even have an insect they like? Of the millions of insects on this earth there are a few that may come to mind as likable such as .....butterflies (one of my personal favorites), ladybugs (not to be confused with those pesky Asian beetle things), and dragonflies (my travel companion's favorite insect). For those of us who live on the lake or fresh water rivers.....dragonflies are our friends, they are not pests but are considered beneficial due to their diet of mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Fascinating features and fascinating flying ability makes the dragonfly an interesting and amazing insect. Here are some dragonfly facts that may surprise you. Dragonflies can beat each of their four wings at different speeds and hold them at different angles which allows then to hover in place like a helicopter or fly in virtually any direction they choose. They are powerful agile fliers able to change directions suddenly and a dragonfly is also able to migrate across oceans. Adult dragonflies can consume hundreds of mosquitoes and other pests each day. They do not bite or sting humans unless they are still in their nymph form. A nymph is capable of harmless but painful bites for humans. The dragonfly nymph is aquatic and will live as a nymph for months to years before becoming a dragonfly. The lifespan of an adult dragonfly lasts only a couple of weeks to two months. Sadly dragonfly habitats are being threatened and destroyed all over the world and conservation efforts have been in place since 1997 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Dragonflies spend their lives in and near fresh water such as lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The dragonfly larva (nymphs) live in shallow water and like the adults are predators. The shorelines with plant life provide cover and the proper habitat for the nymphs to thrive and survive.
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| Lake Barkley |
Lakefront property owners who preserve and protect the plant communities on the shoreline allow the young larval dragonflies to feed more successfully because the waters are calmer and clearer. These plants also provide a perfect habitat for the adult dragonflies to rest, hide, feed, and mate. Dragonflies are at their most vulnerable during transformation from the aquatic larva stage to the adult stage. The larva crawls up a plant stem and slowly emerges from its exoskeleton. It can then take up to an hour for the wings to dry out, unfold, and be prepared for flight. Birds, ants, and spiders are all looking to have the dragonflies for dinner and the plant communities on the lake shore can provide valuable cover during this time. So preserve the natural plants on the shoreline to help save these valuable and beautiful insects. They will add beauty and subtract pests from your environment!
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| Douglas Dragonfly last produced in 1957 |
One more bit of dragonfly trivia for those of you who may have a love for riding motorcycles (people who know me know I do!) I couldn't resist sharing this when I found it. I have never seen one of these other than in a photo. The Dragonfly was a last ditch effort to save the Douglas Company in Bristol. Production delays, engine noise, and unpredictable acceleration all contributed to the demise of the Dragonfly. Douglas became focused on importing Vespa scooters and as a result only about 1500 Dragonfly motorcycles were ever made. Production ended in 1957 with the last of the bikes being sold at discount by a dealer in London.
A note to my favorite travel compantion: This Tribute to the Dragonfly turned into Dragonflies- two kinds both close to your heart! Looking forward to our next adventure.
