Colourful Dragonfly Wings Spread in Sunlight Key Ring

A big colourful male dragonfly perches on a wood railing. You can add your name if you like, or write something short and witty, or delete the text if you don't like it. This beautiful dragonfly is resting and probably hunting too. Dragonflies, like cats and owls, like to sit up above the action and watch for potential prey. These fabulous flying insects feast on mosquitos, horseflies, deer flies, house flies and other insects, and can help keep your garden clear of parasitic pests. Dragonflies are harmless to humans. Dragonflies are found all over the world except of course Antarctica. The dragonfly spends most of its life, up to five years, underwater as a grey naiad or nymph. It goes through six to fifteen moults as it grows, depending on species.The final moult is usually done at night, when the nymphs climb out of the water to find a secure place and hang on. Shortly thereafter the exoskeleton splits down the back and the adult dragonfly emerges. Dragonflies are sometimes totem animals or spirit guides; they signify speed and agility, focus, creativity, adaptability, transition or transformation. These amazing insects have been on Earth for about 325 million years, and according to fossil experts have not changed very much. Apparently, the dragonfly structure is perfect and no evolutionary changes are necessary. These gorgeous insects can fly hundreds of miles - they've been found that far from land, out at sea. Their vision is excellent, in part due to the multi-faceted eyes that can see almost 360 degrees around them. Dragonflies also see colours that we do not, especially at the violet end of the spectrum. In Eastern countries such as Japan and China, dragonflies bring blessings of protection and abundance; in other countries, old superstitions still exist and the dragonfly may be mistakenly associated with evil. Personally I love them! Wildlife photo artwork by M Sylvia Chaume, Canada.