DRAGONFLIES - beautiful aviators

What is it about this little critter that so fascinates schoolgirls?

It can't be seen easily for most of its life, being a jet-propelled nymph (mud-eye) under water, and when it finally gets airborne near the end of its life, it might hover, or fly so fast (80 kph) you might not even see it, inspiring a unique aviation design.  It is a skilfull killer, with 3 sets of jaws, 30,000 eye facets and a voracious appetite to match - hardly appealing to feminine sensitivities.

Ahhh, but those fairy wings!.......beautiful and delicate like gossamer.

The dragonfly has 4 flutter-resistant wings that can be operated independently in hover, forward or reverse flight, with turns on a dime in the blink of an eye.  Wow! better than any modern aircraft design! 

Now beat this one.  A male and a female dragonfly can mate in flight, requiring them to manipulate 8 delicate independent wings in coordinated flight, clasp together, and now transfer sperm - all at the same time, without auto-pilot or GPS.  Too easy - when you're designed for it.

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Dr. Jobe Martin, biologist
Photo credits:
Dragonfly wings / marketplace.secondlife.com
Dragonflies mating / birdingindia.wordpress.com