What are some adaptations of dragonflies?

Roughly 4,500 species of dragonfly exist, belonging to the taxonomic suborder Anisoptera. Fossil evidence has shown they're amongst the oldest insects on Earth, and existed more than 300 million years ago. They may have managed to survive on this planet for so long due to some of their many adaptations. read more

When it comes to eating, dragonflies have a number of adaptations that help them out. They're generalist feeders; although they usually eat insects, they'll chow down on anything they can capture. Since they're not fussy, there's more food available to them. read more

Now here are some adaptations that dragonflies have. They have a bullet shaped body and that helps them survive by being able to change directions fast. The dragonfly has fast wing flapping and that allows them to fly faster. They have very big eyes and that helps them survive by having very good vision. Click here to see a video on discovery education. read more

The main adaptation of dragonflies and damselflies is in their mouth structure. The lower lip is adapted with hinges to lunge forwards. It has a pair of pincers at the tip to grasp prey. This places them in the scientific order of Odonata which translates as a toothed jaw. read more