Dragonfly (Emperor)
OrderOdonata
FamilyAeshnidae
Size7-8 cm body, 10-11 cm wingspan
HabitatPonds, lakes, slow rivers
DietCarnivorous (mosquitoes, flies, other insects)
About the Dragonfly (Emperor)
One of the fastest insects, reaching speeds of 36 km/h. They have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator on Earth, surpassing lions (25%) and great white sharks (50%). Their eyes contain 30,000 facets each, giving nearly 360-degree vision. They have been around for 300 million years - pre-dating dinosaurs. Fossil dragonflies had 70 cm wingspans. They catch prey mid-air using their legs as a basket.