A dragonfly is a flying insect from the infraorder Anisoptera within the order Odonata, with around 3,000 known species, primarily found in tropical regions. They face threats from wetland habitat loss. Dragonflies have large, multifaceted compound eyes, two pairs of transparent wings, and elongated bodies. Many display brilliant iridescent colors due to structural coloration.
They can be confused with damselflies (infraorder Zygoptera), but unlike dragonflies, damselflies fold their wings along or above their abdomen when at rest. Dragonflies are agile predators in both their nymphal stage and as adults, with lifespans often around five weeks. Their reproduction is complex, involving indirect insemination and the unique “heart” posture during mating.
