Do dragonflies sleep?

Dragonflies do not sleep in the same way that humans do, instead, they enter a state of torpor, where their temperature lowers and they become less responsive. They do, however, require this ‘sleep’ in order to function well.

Where do dragonflies roost?

Not only do they rule the roost in the ponds and waterways they have lived in, but once out of their watery world they rule the roost in the skies. The damsels are more delicate and much less powerful. Both are great to watch and some are brilliantly coloured.

Why do dragonflies stay in one spot?

Dragonflies have nearly 360-degree vision, with just one blind spot directly behind them. This extraordinary vision is one reason why they’re able to keep a watch on a single insect within a swarm and go after it while avoiding midair collisions with other insects in the swarm.

How smart is a dragonfly?

In a discovery that may prove important for cognitive science, our understanding of nature and applications for robot vision, researchers at the University of Adelaide have found evidence that the dragonfly is capable of higher-level thought processes when hunting its prey.

What do dragonflies drink?

Do dragonflies drink? Adults get much of the water they need from the food they eat, but will drink from water surfaces or droplets of dew. Small nymphs feed on tiny aquatic invertebrates. As they grow they eat larger invertebrates and even small fish and tadpoles.

Can you keep dragonflies as pets?

Dragonflies are fun to raise but challenging to keep as pets. They are large-winged insects that can grow to 4 inches long. Collect some water and use an aquatic insect net to pick out the nymphs. It is best if you do not introduce a new species, which could be invasive.

What are dragonflies afraid of?

Just the mere presence of a predator can stress out dragonfly larvae enough to kill them — even if the dragonflies are out of the predator’s reach and completely safe, a new study shows.

Can dragonflies swim?

Dragonflies experience incomplete metamorphosis: the nymphs (called naiads) swim and live underwater, like fish. Hidden among the plants, a naiad will lie in wait for prey to swim by. It can then squeeze water out of the rear of its abdomen like a jet stream.