The Insane Biology of: The Dragonfly

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Patreon: / realscience
Twitter: / stephaniesamma
Instagram: / stephaniesammann
Credits:
Narrator/Writer: Stephanie Sammann
Writer: Inés Dawson
Editor: Dylan Hennessy (www.behance.net/dylanhennessy1)
Illustrator/Animator: Kirtan Patel (kpatart.com/illustrations)
Animator: Mike Ridolfi (www.moboxgraphics.com/)
Sound: Graham Haerther (haerther.net)
Thumbnail: Simon Buckmaster ( / forgottentowel )
Producer: Brian McManus ( / realengineering )
Imagery courtesy of Getty Images
Music:
Youth by ANBR
Waiting by Brianna Tam
Spearhead by Evgeny Bardyuzha
Seasons by ANBR
Intrepid by Brianna Tam
A Tender Heart by The David Roy Collective
A Contrite Spirit by The David Roy Collective
References:
[1] ​​onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/a...
[2] sora.unm.edu/sites/default/fi...
[3] digitalcommons.esf.edu/cgi/vi....
[4] link.springer.com/article/10....
[5] www.sciencedirect.com/science...
[6] journals.biologists.com/jeb/a...
[7] bechly.lima-city.de/Grzimek.pdf
[8] www.sciencedirect.com/science...
[9] journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/...
[10] link.springer.com/article/10....
[11] www.sciencedirect.com/science...
[12] www.sciencedirect.com/science...
[13] www.nature.com/articles/natur...
[14] www.sciencedaily.com/releases...
[15] news.ucsc.edu/2012/06/giant-i...

[@safeysmith6720]

I use to be in the army. I can remember in training, the endless patrols through the woods. But the dragonflies were our friends. You’d see them gliding back and forth just over our heads, catching the mosquitoes which swarmed around us. It was impossible for the dragonflies to get all the mosquitoes, but it was a comfort to know we had allies out there in those woods.

[@seanoneil277]

In some parts of the USA, they're called "mosquito hawks."

[@ulforcemegamon3094]

Dragonflies has an 95% chance of catching their prey mid-air , is not a surprise they are so effective at killing mosquitoes

[@seanoneil277]

@@ulforcemegamon3094 Casual statistics are fine, but they are not the reason the odonata are effective at what they do. Statistics are created by humans, in an attempt to understand data. Odonata do not think in terms of statistics.

[@Dwendele]

@@seanoneil277 really? Wow, thanks! 🙄

[@Dwendele]

@@seanoneil277 English names are a human construct, odanata don't think in terms of human names.

[@livedeliciously]

I remember being only able to see content like this on the Discovery Channel. It's crazy that I can watch content like this (arguably waaay better) at anytime and not being glued to my TV. Brilliant.

[@donmiller2908]

I find it exhilarating. Especially when you consider that the content is free, it has no commercials and you aren't required to view a lot of fluff waiting for the substance.

[@lewiscliffe434]

We're so lucky to have this for free.

[@TristanCleveland]

@@donmiller2908 The quality of documentaries seems to be strangely reversely correlated with budget.

[@JS-rv3et]

i wish tv still had this shit history became a fucking heap of shit after it became nothing but gold rush and ax men pifft stupid fucking reality shows discovery became nothing but deadliest catch. and shit

[@contact157]

Not the same when theres no Attenborough.

[@cshepard09]

The idea of dragon flies and hawks competing against each other is crazy. One that big would be terrifying

[@derskalde4973]

I remember an article about this a few years ago. There they explained that dragonflys also can choose where they are actively looking, like, still have 360° vision, but concentrating on one point in their vision. And that you can actually see where a dragonfly is looking, because their eyes will absorb more light there, creating darker spots on the eyes.

[@radiance2965]

Then is this 08:29 one looking at the camera ? 😳💀

[@radiance2965]

Or this 12:59 busy guy ? Focusing multiple directions at the same time ? 🫨😵‍💫🥶

[@AifDaimon]

The most badass insect, hands down

[@epauletshark3793]

Yup.

[@ishanpednekar6576]

The Robber fly is basically the dragonfly, but much more badass

[@proper2753]

The grass hooper is pretty badass aswell

[@AifDaimon]

@@proper2753 grasshopper*

[@patrickburton1401]

Def the most badass flying insect

[@zen8704]

"direct flight muscles able to tug on each wing individually" So dragonflies are all wheel drive?

[@fallenwolf3368]

4wheel I'll see myself out. Hahahahahahaha hahaha

[@Al13n1nV8D3R]

Not All wheel drive. Its ALL WING DRIVE! Or rather 4 WING DRIVE

[@normanbuchanan9710]

pretty much 😂😄

[@ilc9325]

Its basically a natural drone

[@ketchuplover3197]

'All wing fly' will be perfect

[@frogsicleyt]

Dragonflies are by far my favorite insect. Not only are they badass, but they are so friendly as well! Whenever I see one, I can always gently slide my finger into it, and hold it on my finger. I’m sure they would make great pets if they didn’t thrive better in the wild. And they take care of pesky bugs like mosquitoes, and are beautiful in coloration! I can find literally no flaws. They are really the perfect creature.

[@lasercraft32]

They eat mosquitos? Instant new favorite creature in the whole world.

[@dhck999]

These aerial aces saved me when I was camping near the Yukon River. Once there was a thousand mosquitoes, then out of nowhere there were thousands of dragonflies. It was a treat to watch them catch mosquitoes, very beautiful to watch. Extremely agile and nimble in the air.

[@speedy01247]

I like how dragonflies literally have different flight modes, including a hover, turbo, reverse, glide and agile mode.

[@Atomictaru]

I think most American jet canopy glass is based off the colors of dragonflies eyes when you look at it in an certain direction

[@flipnshifty]

stop saying literally

[@stevensons78]

@@flipnshifty grammar police..... oh noooo

[@snusemcgoose1001]

I knew I should’ve bought the turbo

[@tianshee]

I literally like how you literally have "literally" in literally every comment you literally write but it's literally literally literally...

[@zachheilman784]

The counter-balance to deal with aerodynamic flutter is some really incredible biomechanics. I've seen videos of flutter being tested on airplanes and it's no joke, that can quickly ruin your day.

[@Akash.Chopra]

Synchronized stroking isn't impressive. I've been doing that since puberty.

[@name5702]

Nice

[@pranavr0y]

@@Akash.Chopra ayo?

[@user-ce1cu5my4j]

@@Akash.Chopra good one, lmao

[@conradmbugua9098]

😂😂🔥

[@bobhoye5951]

Outstanding review. As a geologist I spent most of a summer on a lake north of Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. Taking some time of on a Sunday I watched a dragonfly catch a horsefly in mid flight. It then settled on a thin branch and the first it did was strip off the wings that fluttered to the ground. Unable to escape, the horsefly provided a leisurely lunch. The crunching was audible.

[@erlybird3122]

Has Stephanie Sammann ever received any awards for narration? I see a lot of videos and am often put off by the narration of people who don't seem to understand what a good cadence is. I really like Stephanie's overall delivery.

[@donloughrey1615]

I am 70yrs. old and I have viewed a lot of documentaries. This is among the best that have seen. From the videography to the science to the wonderful presentation by a young woman with a great voice who seems to actually enjoy the subject that she is presenting. Thanks Real Science. 4stars from me.

[@meteor2012able]

@Don Loughrey: Hey kid, I am 88 yo, and have to agree with you. As a kid living near a miningtown creek where we spent lots of time playing, I literally loved dragonflies. Of course, I did not have the intellectual capacity to know why... I just Did! Dragonflies, are no mere insects, My childhood fascination was scientifically grounded without me realizing it. The "wonderful video" helped much...I really appreciate all the work done to produce it. Buenas noches, amigo

[@donloughrey1615]

@@meteor2012able Greetings to you my friend.

[@Davethreshold]

FASCINATING for me, and I'm, "only" 69! Her name is Stephanie Sammann. I love her voice also. If you search her name here, many of her videos will show up.

[@TheLinposterIsSus]

among you say?

[@aminamubarak6728]

funny how I'm 11 and both of u guys are over 70 xD

[@alwaysradical1613]

A dragonlly landed on my paddle on my last kayaking adventure. I slowly pulled it closer to me so I could study up close. Such beautifully evolved creatures. Gorgeous. And when it took off, it kind of just hovered with amazing control, as if showing off. It was the highlight of my trip.

[@fallenwolf3368]

That's sad that a insect was the high light because I'm sure it wasn't a cheap trip.

[@dust9787]

A moment of creation is worth more than all public education combined.

[@Heffey02]

@@fallenwolf3368 No that's the beauty of it...When you're out on an adventure it's those things we get to observe and experience that we've been so disconnected from in modern society. I can't speak for the poster of this topic but I can imagine that they would feel the same way. Also after watching this video it's clear that dragonflies aren't just any insect. Seems like they are arguably the most successful flying insect to ever exist.

[@slevinchannel7589]

@@dust9787 Tad random, but whatever: Theres p0rn on youtube and theres a report-button on KZbin. Mind to take 5 miutes or so to use the searchbar and said r-button to... make the plattform a bit less messy? Would be much appriciated, tbh.

[@dust9787]

@@slevinchannel7589 Perhaps. But what are you saying? What can I do?

[@StephiSensei26]

Putting aside the fact of their unquestionable and devastating killer instincts, I have always been fascinated by their sheer beauty and design. Mind blowing! Nature has done it all! This is truly the place where the word "awe" is completely applicable. One can only stand in awe of such a creation and smile.

[@patricj951]

You are here confirming a supreme creator. "Nature" is a part of the creation as well and has not created anything. I like your description but you should replace "nature" with "God".

[@StephiSensei26]

@@patricj951 I appreciate your comment , but I do not adhere to any dogmatic theological concepts. If your convictions prefer the use of the word "God" to explain the other word, "existence", fine. But, I also respect the beliefs and disbeliefs of others, so I prefer to tread lightly in such philosophical areas. Next time I'll just leave the spot blank, and you can fill in what ever you feel is appropriate to you. Thanks.🙃

[@AB-wf8ek]

@@patricj951 You are confirming that religion can stand as a barrier to seeing things as they truly are

[@davidjenson4512]

@@AB-wf8ek Curiously, I see no such confirmation.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

@@davidjenson4512almost like you’re oblivious to it, there must be a barrier blocking your view

[@Reinhard_G.1965]

Dragonflies (in German: Libellen) always have fascinated me; and now I've found some incredibly detailed footage which let me learn more about these outstanding insects in a few minutes than I knew all the time before! And once again I can't appreciate enough the genius of nature -- it is still the best constructor and artist!

[@attabooii]

I'm a grad student studying entomology and I remember as an undergrad, when I was taking the intro entomology series, I spent hours at this river trying to catch a dragonfly for my collection for class. I finally spotted one flying slower than all the others. After chasing it for a bit, I finally caught it and realized the reason it was flying so slow was cause it was eating another dragonfly 😅

[@realscience]

metal lol

[@kokroucz]

I literally caught dozens upon dozens of dragonflies. it was never a big struggle, how come this was such an issue to you? from my experience it's relatively easy to catch a sitting dragonfly bare hands (especially damsels). got bitten a lot of times but it never lessen my curiosity. I even had larvae in my aquarium which I was always finding more interesting to observe. They were fearless feeding even on small frogs (not tadpoles -frogs) and fish.

[@attabooii]

@@kokroucz okay 1. No need to sound so condescending. I was telling a story from my intro to Entomology class when I was 18 years old. I'm in grad school now. 2. I was catching Giant Darners, not damselflies. I got plenty of damselflies back then lol

[@VitaeLibra]

@@attabooii it's probably not my place to say this but I don't think they meant to sound condescending. I think they were just genuinely confused how it could be such a challenge of they remember it as being easy. Probably just worded it poorly due to that confusion as it's always a tricky situation to ask someone how they are worse at something without sounding condescending. If that makes sense?

[@kokroucz]

​@@attabooii 1. I apologize I didn't realize how it sounded. I understand it was your school asignement so I take it catching bugs wasn't something you do often. 2. For me catching all sorts of animals was basically entire childhood (that and climbing bigget trees :P) That's why I was little bit suprised and honestly... weirded out. So yeah... I'm pretty sure I caught all species of dragonflies in my country. I lived by lakes and I wa always into animals so I would catch some insects, reptiles, rodents etc and I often tried to draw characterisitc things of animal so I could check later in library what species that was (no internet back then). 3. Honestly dragonflies are really not the hardest flying insects to catch for me because I always used my bare hands (after I crushed couple beings with nets, bags, boxes I found out hands are much safer). For me only protection were the bike gloves. So for me the hardest are some species of wasps. dragons will always try to escape so the flight path is somewhat predictible. Wasps are very often aggressive. they not only dodge your hands but will push on you attacking and chasing also (never actually fact checked it but I'm 99% sure) most wasps know where your face is and will aim for face/eyes ignoring limbs - which is different to bees - they sting anywhere, which makes sense since the main mechanism behind stinging is to bring the attention of the bee colony by releasing feromones. I hope you're well and still passsionate about wildlife. pozdrawiam.

[@umami0247]

My sister loved Dragon flies when she passed I got a tattoo of a dragonfly on my arm. I now have a great appreciation for these warriors of the sky.

[@lukelucas.]

Sorry for your loss - do good things man, and reach out if you ever need some support.

[@Fireslanga1]

@@lukelucas. much love luke

[@DICKNSful]

I'm sorry for your loss. All the best people like dragonflies😉

[@Muggashyte]

Dragonfly is my spirit animal. I watched one traveling a straight line across my backyard, one day. Out of a large pine tree, a yellow dot appeared. A yellow jacket wasp had flown out of the tree. The dragonfly turned left, and slammed into the wasp. The dragonfly returned to its original flight path, and all the while, it ate the wasp. Chunks of yellow, fell from the dragonfly, until it dropped what was left, like a toddler discarding an empty juice box.

[@addy4542]

I had a dragonfly once get stuck in my hair, after very carefully untangling him he sat in my shoulder and even moved to my hand for a solid 2 minutes before flying away. One of the reasons their my favorite insect

[@robertshorthill6836]

@addy4542. They are my favorite as well, but my daughter has dragonfly motif cups, coasters, photos, statues, homemade lawn ornaments where she will take a 4 blade ceiling fan, mount the blades to a junked table leg (1 of 4), drill a hole into the under side for a broom handle, stick the whole thing in a flower garden. She paints them green or yellow with a tennis ball for the head, hot glued onto the end. Quite impressive to look at.

[@BlindSniperz]

Early morning fishing and being surrounded by hundreds of gnats. Dragonfly's are a welcome sight hovering around your boat, snatching up gnat after gnat mid-air. Such a cool sight. At times, they'll even chase your lure while casting it out.

[@alvinbiggsjr8351]

😯

[@Revelator2025]

Efficient engineering! Amazing

[@kinglyzard]

Then there are the delicate Damselflies that come in a variety of colors, including black.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

That sounds really neat ^_^

[@michagabo8819]

When things were at their very worst: 2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy. Scientists will say it was a global illusion. Beware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again. After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way. Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet - will seem to rise from the dead - will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one. One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist. Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent. "Arab uprising will spark global unrest - Italy will trigger fall out" "Many events, including ecological upheavals, wars, the schism in My Church on Earth, the dictatorships in each of your nations - bound as one, at its very core - will all take place at the same time." The Book of Truth

[@thYrd3Y3prYing]

Once when tubing down a river in Virginia, a blue dragonfly landed on my leg. Within minutes, I had dozens of them all over me, perhaps drinking the salt from the sweat on my body. It was one of the most magical moments of my life. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it.

[@gilbertojohnson6981]

You have something much better than pictures: The memory.

[@TheFlyfly]

i would freak out if that happened to me, youre one brave soldier

[@human1505]

Maybe you're the chosen one.

[@Sterlicht-Verheugen]

Milked by dragonflies 😂

[@tomgucwa7319]

Clearly alien technology

[@EricPalmer_DaddyOh]

This was a great video. Lots of details. I live maybe 400 feet from water. I occasionally see dragonflies. I grew up in central Florida with lots of lakes. I remember seeing them all the time. I especially love the way they hover and fly.

[@patriciarodriguesrentes1702]

Lady, you are one of the best science popularizers I have ever seen. Amazing work, congratulations !

[@starsilverinfinity]

Honestly, sometimes I forget how much real life can be as entertainingly terrifying as fantasy

[@aminesemlali6199]

better than fantasy

[@marsgo8938]

@@aminesemlali6199 Its subjective.

[@salampeace3599]

@@marsgo8938 All Fantasy is based on real life. Whether it be games or movies they're all imitation of the real life. In my opinion we're too blinded by these screens and entertainments that we've completely forgotten about how Awesome and Epic life truly is. What I'm trying to get attention towards is all forms of Fantasy is essentially true and this includes mythology or legends, it's all real whether you accept or not, life is so much more than we think, unfortunately many are too blinded and too narrow minded to comprehend or see things for what they truly are. Also there is evidences everywhere for my statements the simplest and easiest is to look at the rocks, mountains and google map, you'll see if you've eyes. We're as a matter of fact standing on extremely monolithic creatures, more colossal than you can imagine (I.e. continental).

[@ADAJ342]

@@marsgo8938 , to be fair. Reality is nuts beyond our imagination and filled to the brim with things we wouldn’t believe if we didn’t know for a fact to be true.

[@brianm744]

"Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't." ― Mark Twain

[@Musicismylove888]

I really appreciate the voice of a real human being instead of a phony computer voice. Such a fascinating and educational channel. Dragonflies was my first video to see on your channel. Loved it.

[@beatrizmedina_mabe]

I'm not able to affirm this is the case here, but I've seen automated voices as good as the one in this video.

[@Musicismylove888]

@@beatrizmedina_mabe I prefer the real deal.

[@christopherwellman2364]

I'm pretty sure it's not a real voice.

[@afgh1408]

@@christopherwellman2364 it very clearly is

[@cooloox]

@@christopherwellman2364 You're just an attention-seeker. You know it is a person speaking.

[@michaelt.wardlespider2496]

They make a nice addition to the backyard pond I dug. I'm always glad when they just chill out and let me watch them. Quite amazing creatures.

[@nautilus2612]

People always say that making ponds attracts mosquitos, but mine is completely devoid of them thanks to four species of dragonflies, water beetles and backswimmers that inhabit it. It actually contributes to mosquito decline. Every garden should have one

[@cratecruncher6687]

I've always thought of dragonflies as the Lamborghinis of the insect world. This video put that thought into words that show how incredible these creatures are. And they came up with it 320 million years ago!

[@ralphwhittemore5041]

Dragonflies are amazing creatures. I was with my Grandson going through a glass encased lobby of a store. When my Grandson spotted a large Dragonfly trapped inside the lobby. I told him to watch this ,and I slowly reached my hand out towards the large insect. And he climbed onto my hand.Then I slowly walked to the automatic sliding door and lifted my hand up and the Dragonfly to my Grandsons amazement flew to freedom. They definitely are intelligent and understand what's a threat and what's not.

[@Knownsky]

Ralph, when I was working, I saw a Dragon fly, it was this rainbow color when light hit it, I rarely see dragon flies.

[@kritikitti3868]

Cool move! Amazing story😍

[@alvanpilot]

Thats both KOOL and BEAUTIFUL!

[@robertlee4809]

​@@Knownsky I seent a horsefly..I done seent me a housefly...but ain't never seent a dragon fly...😂😂

[@marzipanmango]

Haha I did the exact same thing with a big cockroach my mom found while we were in vacation in Hawaii. I'd never seen a cockroach before (they're not common where I live in Canada) so I wasn't scared by them. I'm guessing when I let it out it came right back inside the rental house :P

[@janefrost1856]

When my children were younger, I took them to Dartmouth and we went walking, we came to a place by the river Dart and there were dragonflies everywhere. It was really beautiful, they are so acrobatic in the air, and their colouring is amazing, 30 years later, my children have never forgotten it, nor have I.

[@carole5648]

at this time of year, at a certain hour of the afternoon our yard is swarmed with dragonflies, hundreds hunting for the evening. it is magical.

[@goodun2974]

Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell included dragonflies in two of her songs: " Yesterday, a child came out to wonder/ caught a dragonfly inside a jar....." from The Circle Game; and another song, the title of which I can't recall, that began "A helicopter lands on the PanAm roof/ like a dragonfly on a tomb......"

[@rabraham0910]

I have a bunch of dragonflies that chill and hunt in my backyard every summer, about a couple of different species. Some quite big and some incredibly small. They're quite agile, as soon as I take a step in their direction they take off. I love just watching them fly and flutter around, they're such beautiful insects :D.

[@MMAisAddicting3210]

I watched this video because I recently noticed how crazy their flying skills are. They turn angles on a dime and sometimes stop and hover like a helicopter. I was truly amazed and I had to do some research on them. I started pondering if maybe one day we could make an aircraft that can move like a dragonfly. It would be revolutionary to have a plane that can travel like that.

[@CapriciousBlackBox]

“It is hypothesized that…..” Thank you for this. Too often scientific nature documentaries speak in absolutes, when they don’t actually “know” for certain.

[@warrenarnold]

Then there is string theory, a science too 😅😂😂 rn all my bets are going to the flat earthers, really routing for those guys.

[@khalidazhar101]

Exactly right, justike evolution

[@Indorap_YT]

you just reminded me of my science teacher haha, cause he always says: "never say theory, unless you have done it multiple times and get the same outcome"

[@geniusgamer3840]

@@khalidazhar101 Nope, evolution is a theory rather than a hypothesis because it has been observed multiple times by many different experiments consistent with the scientific method.

[@dust9787]

ya, not just documentaries either: like almost everybody is always speaking in absolutes and overgeneralities. good point

[@epauletshark3793]

I haven't even finished and dragonflies are one of my favorite insects.

[@andycruzatx3387]

They eat alot of mosquitoes so I like them just for that alone.

[@paytonallen1027]

@@andycruzatx3387 agreed

[@darthoblivion2615]

They are my favorite. Smarter than we think they are.

[@bulletproofponds]

Wow, Thank you for sharing this thorough information and insight into the dragonfly. Fascinating!

[@ESwift-Arts]

Incredibly well-made, informative video! Excellent work!

[@LivingParadox87]

I am now reminded why dragonflies were my favorite insect as a kid and can appreciate them even more now. This video was excellent! Subscribed for sure.

[@atrocious_pr0xy]

They're curious, too. It's a cool experience for kids to be able to hold out their finger and have one land on it. My son does that.

[@daveross7731]

Roly poly bugs were mine.

[@CliffCoultas]

I used to call the helicopters. Lol

[@rip.37]

They're still my favorite they often land on me or my fishing pole while snakehead fishing definitely fascinating

[@sliva7938]

The most beautiful and interesting animal on earth.

[@jerrysstories711]

WOW! This was like 6000% more interesting than I anticipated. This was fascinating!

[@halweilbrenner9926]

Exactly my thoughts

[@warrenarnold]

Why yaaall love this things. i really fear bugs,☠️ esp if you start talking about 1 meter flying one. Thank goodness they haven't yet evolved a taste for blood

[@jerrysstories711]

@@warrenarnold So, you probably don't want to go back to Africa with me, to eat roasted locusts so big I have to take them in two bites?

[@warrenarnold]

@@jerrysstories711 am in Africa, and those things we just give them to tourist and pretend is nice.😅 Us here we still fear them

[@jerrysstories711]

@@warrenarnold Well, actually... my host Mozezi was a little embarrassed when I wanted to try eating roasted locusts. I didn't realize they eat locusts only when they are starving. He was afraid that if his neighbors saw him catching locusts for me, they'd think he didn't have food for me. He made me go to several huts to explain to them that we don't have locusts in America, I want to try them, and Mozezi has plenty of other food for me if I want it. So when I did eat locusts, I had quite an amused crowd gathered to watch. This was in Malawi, where the word for Summer is "Hunger"

[@scott4587]

I have so many amazing memories as a kid watching these little fellas kill mosquitos at my cottage. There would be 100s of them flying in different formations and killing the mosquitos around us, and they never seemed to be afraid of our presence. They would land on me to take a break without showing any fear that I would kill them. When ever I see one today I always get the feeling that they see us as friendlies, probably because flies and mosquitos have been surrounding large animals for millions of years and animals must have learned that the dragonflies are doing them a solid. Discovery should do a full episode on dragonflies. What a creature!

[@marmitenot.]

I've seen a common dragonfly (Louisiana) catch, struggle, and subdue a HUGE horse fly as wasn't as long, but was must bigger around than the dragonfly. I've also seen dragonflies pretty upon other dragonflies of the same size. The caught dragonfly was quickly decapitated by the capturing dragonfly. Intelligence. These guys are capable of capturing prey of the SAME SIZE, not just the size of their heads. They will also fly near a person walking through grass, because that stirs up bugs. Again, THAT shows intelligence. They are absolutely remarkable!

[@dougg1075]

Talked to a scientist once who studied water quality in different parts of the country ( cities and towns) she said if you see dragonflies in an area , that’s a sign of good water quality

[@joansolomon1194]

So, good water quality is becoming So rare.

[@rodneywarr4873]

Stop lying

[@edgarang]

It's probably because the nymps live and hunt underwater. They're like underwater mantises, super awesome.

[@StuffMadeOnDreams]

This is so because as larvae, they feed on tadpoles, small fish and other animals underwater. If these animals are there, then the water must be good. I remember once visiting Hampstead Heath Ponds in London and noticing the dense amount of dragon-flies hoovering over some ponds. Just standing up and watching their movements was mesmerizing.

[@mangalink25]

@@rodneywarr4873 How would you even know they're lying, Rodney?

[@Squish_Squash]

I once caught I dragonfly with my bare hands when I was a little kid, like maybe 5-8 years old. Watching this video now, I think I can write down that being about to catch one after chasing it for an hour straight is the greatest flex of my life

[@justdev8965]

What did you do with the dragonfly that you caught?

[@kukulroukul4698]

@@justdev8965 killed him :d i was fascinated by these when kid too

[@jesselopez0008]

@@justdev8965 we used to put 2 of em in a plastic bottle and let em fight , feels pretty stupid now , was fun as a kid

[@TheGeckoNinja]

@@jesselopez0008 you wanted to level them up so they could evolve

[@fungi265]

@@TheGeckoNinja it never evolved because yanma evolves by learning ancient power, not leveling up.

[@loriematthews6418]

How very interesting 🤔 Wow... enjoyed this! Thank you @realscience💞 And that fossil of the "very" large dragonfly was simply amazing!

[@stevenwilgus8982]

I learn so much more in less time with videos like this. Then I go and expand the area of interest or needed expansion to even better understand. This was one such.

[@gary4689]

"always fear an old species in a niche where species die young" These blokes have been around since the carboniferous, and they have been getting increasingly refined the entire time

[@atriox7221]

Just imagine if the oxygen levels begin going up again and surpass Carboniferous levels millions of years after we’ve gone extinct, then an even more refined form of dragonflies grows to greater sizes then ever before, that would be an incredible world of the future

[@gary4689]

@@atriox7221 It's unfortunate we have globally decreasing oxygen levels. Hell, at the rate were going we might even have another Permian extinction on our hands, damn climate change.....

[@webserververse5749]

@@gary4689 humanity would simply electrolysis the oceans creating massive amounts of hydrogen and oxygen. Whether or not we would eventually blow up the Earth is another thing. Humans are great at destroying everything in their path in order to survive

[@gary4689]

@@webserververse5749 we're always just prolonging the inevitable.

[@Wheres_my_Dragonator]

Me as a kid putting 2 of them near each other: They sure do like eating each other.

[@Vbluevital]

Wonderful Programming! Thank You

[@Antarctica2025]

This is so lovely! What a great little video!

[@KCSutherland]

I've said it for years: dragonflies are correctly named. To an insect, this thing is as scary as an actual dragon would be to us.

[@dawzavelithedon6882]

To u

[@danielcruz4960]

@@dawzavelithedon6882 funny that you believe you wouldn’t be scared of a real dragon

[@XiaoMof]

@@danielcruz4960 It also depends on the type of Dragon western dragons are beasts while Eastern (Chinese especially) dragons are more like benevolent god-like beings.

[@danielcruz4960]

@@XiaoMof and you wouldn’t be scared of near god like being in front of you? Remember benevolente doesn’t mean harmless

[@Evilofhumanity]

@@dawzavelithedon6882 Cap man. If they existed, and were beasts only concerned with their next meal regardless of where it’s coming from. No way you just standing there and letting it come for you.

[@tiktaalik7160]

"Why did evolution rob us of a world where almost one meter long arial beasts rule the skies?" Considering this is dragonflies we are talking about, I think evolution did us a favor. Edit: Good god, I was just anthropomorphizing evolution! I don’t actually think it has a consciousness or intentions. None of you are smart for correcting me here.

[@Teqnyq]

Is it safe to assume that they would be incapable of hunting people 🤔

[@ManojKumar-zf2sy]

Each Evolution stage is not an achievement It is a Responsibility for our mother nature. So biomechanics in all level of organisams are now controlled by ultra speed biomechanic processor human brain.

[@tiktaalik7160]

Oops! I misspoke. What I meant to say was Probably not, but at least we are spared from the sight of a giant flying rabbit eating bug.

[@tiktaalik7160]

Nobody asked, nobody cared, and even if we did, nobody can understand you.

[@Teqnyq]

@@Winterfang it's actually a terrifying thought. Just imagine the buzz of giant wings on approach.

[@lithTech1]

The quality of the video is just phenomenal.

[@michaelcorrigan6577]

This is my second time watching this. Watched it a while ago. Im using my earbuds and the music to this documentary is great. really adds to the ambience and narration.

[@ricpowers1475]

Absolutely incredible. A creature that has a variable wing, acting independently, with stall strips and vortex generators. The most advanced military aircraft is but a rock in comparison.

[@jvon3885]

Which proves that life isn't designed to fight but survive. I'm willing to bet that we could never build a dragonflies suit based on the fact that the operator must first feel the movement before making the movement. This would require literally connecting the brain to the machine. That's why humans created AI.

[@Kopie0830]

@@jvon3885 man and machine power extreme! - centurions

[@ahope4u2]

God is amazing....his creations are so beautiful!

[@koreshdabar-yhwh3588]

And yet, folks deny the Creator of this biological marvels and don't deny the designer of aircraft that doesn't come close to the Dragonfly.

[@koreshdabar-yhwh3588]

@@jvon3885 Almost like there would have to be an intelligent mind to create such things ehh?

[@coffman1809]

The presentation of the science in this video, the way it was broken down, was brilliant. It was much more detailed and complex than you get from made-for-TV productions, but it was articulated clearly and was easy to understand. Well done!

[@allenhaywood9608]

I know right, I could get this girl to narrate 1000 educational videos and it could replace the public schooling I had

[@danielcristancho3738]

Except for the Macro evolution crap.

[@darrylstone7488]

There science is dumb especially stating that dragon flies been around for 300 million years this world is stupid how in the hel do they come up with this nonsense and no one calls them out evolution is also a lie they hypothesize that dragon flies drunk do to lower oxygen in the air where do they get this stuff there is no way you can prove this planet been around for millions or billions of years none and when you think about they stuff they come up with you can easily disprove it with their science or common science for example the big bang theory no what I can't keep writing I'm done with this foolishness

[@kmonster420]

@@danielcristancho3738 😂 🤣😂🤣….you serious

[@danielcristancho3738]

@@kmonster420 As serious as death.

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

This was AWESOME!! Thank you!

[@charmerci]

Dragonflies are amazing. And the photography on this is fantastic!

[@octaviusvanzandt3695]

I had a birdbath in my backyard that both birds and dragonflies would visit. I once watched a large dragonfly chase off a hummingbird. It was very impressive.

[@elbolainas4174]

It sounds awesome, like some sort of unlikely dogfight

[@MaharionPendragon]

How did you keep mosquitoes from laying eggs on that birdbath?

[@vreepasser6585]

@@MaharionPendragon having tons of dragonfly around it, they eat lots of mosquitoes fr

[@anima6035]

I'm kinda not surprised I've seen some pretty big and intimidating dragonflies 😂

[@wesmokepotcannabis3287]

@@MaharionPendragon Change water often, should be done at least once a day....

[@MrWessiide]

Dragon flies and mantises: certified badasses of the insect world.

[@slevinchannel7589]

Yeah.

[@neil9383]

I think if Dragonflies as Apache helicopters of the insect world!

[@warrenarnold]

You know i fear bugs,☠️ host starts talking about 1 meter dragons and now you guy bring in that praying insect. Do you guys really want me be able to sleep this night????

[@NakedJack]

Ever since I watch bug fights (it's 2 bugs locked in a terrarium forced to fight to the death), I've lost my respect for mantises. If I remember correctly, they lost every time. Then again, the dragonfly probably would too, but it's not exactly fair for a dragonfly to be locked in a small space.

[@AA-tz2bm]

@@NakedJack who did the mantis lose to

[@waynereffell671]

That was really good, well done and thank you Dragon flies are amazing creatures .

[@kaceesavage]

We have quite a few different kinds of dragon flies around where we live. I’m so glad to learn more about them! My kids sit out in the lawn with hundreds of them flying around them catching their supper.

[@0ne0fTheDrunks]

I once was kayaking with my father in Florida when I took a break from rowing a beautiful dragonfly landed on the end of my ore. About 12 seconds of me gawking at it went by before a bigger dragonfly landed on top of the first and proceeded to quickly rip its head off. After it decapitated my new found friend it took off with the body leaving the head sitting on my ore with my jaw on the floor in total shock of what murder I had just witnessed. That day I learned that Dragon flies are metal as fuck.

[@tylerbob4853]

Nice language, you must be a product of the public schools. Really low class.

[@thenoseknows9391]

🤣😆🤮

[@alib414]

This was the best story I’ve seen all day!

[@BeckVMH]

Haha You’re thinking, “Wow, I did not see that coming.” His friends were thinking, “Yep, saw that coming.”

[@hanscyrus]

#DillonPrescott …, the many idiosyncratics (sic) of a dragonfly have never been fully explored by the best and the brightest of the West, and sad it is to make note of this fact to y'all. 🤷🏼‍♀

[@DD556762X51]

I watch dragon flies all summer hunting off of my tractor while cutting grass. They are able to learn new techniques in hunting which shows they have a thought process of some kind. By far my favorite insect.

[@_barncat]

Tf are you talking about

[@theonewhotravel3289]

@@_barncat he meant by saying they are highly adaptive to new scenario

[@choppaturnyoutoamemoryyane1318]

@@_barncat lol what’s wrong with his comment I thought it was interesting 😂😂😂

[@bobbyhempel1513]

@@_barncat are you slow?

[@leslieh4899]

My new favorite bug. Started this morning seeing a handmade one on Etsy then looking on KZbin to see how to make their wings to this on the Ordinata - what a treat.

[@monicaarrudaarruda6723]

Thank you! Fascinating content!

[@RealEngineering]

Been waiting for this one!

[@epauletshark3793]

I had literally just finished watching your video when this popped up.

[@ahjsbkdjhavkcjhvac]

HI DAD

[@ScumfuckMcDoucheface]

@Hoodolley how so? I used to watch now and then but never really got into it the channel **shrug** but I definitely never got that impression at all man

[@ingenium2229]

Who just watched engineering mindeset after real engineering's video?

[@randomotter6346]

@Hoodolley ???? What makes you say that?

[@dewboy910]

I have noticed that the dragonflies around my house act totally different from the ones at my mothers house near the coast about an hour and twenty minute drive from my house. At my place, just as soon as I walk out the door of my house or exit my car, dragonflies approach me, then zoom in as if they are attacking me, literally running into me. After paying close attention, I noticed what they were doing. They somehow KNEW that mosquitos and gnats are attracted to me and the dragonflies use me as BAIT! They often follow me around like pets. But they really have no interest in me other than the meals I attract for them. It doesn't appear that they fear me at all. I welcome their presence as I hate mosquitos! The dragonflies at my moms seem to just run a flight path over and over until they encounter another insect. It is possible that one of the reasons they act so differently at my mom's house is because of the close vicinity of martin gourds! Martins hunt dragonflies! So they know that danger is usually close by. So dragonflies have great brain function. I wish I could say the same about all humans. :p

[@neil9383]

Maybe they're Damselflies and not Dragonflies?

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Omigosh that's amazing Joe :D You have some cute little Dragonfly friends to protect you from mosquitos and gnats lol.

[@havocproltd]

that is so cool!

[@peterquennellnyc]

Yeah very smart. BTW purple martin birds feed entirely "on the fly" like most swallows. Six months a year they are in Brazil. They are "shy" birds and will only nest near people. So gourds up on a pole fill up with families quickly.

[@stacestrace6142]

In 2018 I turned my chlorine pool into a natural pool (copper sulphate/H2O2). This pool attracts a plethora of dragonflies. Some seem to take special notice of me. They follow me around the garden or fly over me while I’m in the pool. I’ve had them land on me and look at me as if they are studying me. Your comment on gnats and mosquitos take away the mystery! These ‘friendly’ ones are basically more savvy! However, with that said, my fair haired/skinned partner is a mosquito magnet. He can’t go outside without being swarmed, and yet, the dragonflies never seem fond of him. Anyway, Joe Blake, very interesting observation.

[@thedolt9215]

Excellent presentation! What a marvelous animal!

[@artawhirler]

Fascinating video! Thanks! (I love your channel!)

[@SpiralsHappen]

I once found a cold dragonfly who couldn't move. I put it into diret sunlight and it warmed and flew away. I'm glad to have been of help.

[@fosternetterfield8100]

That is awesome! I came about one trying to fly through a window that was not open,buzzing frantically at the glass.He or she allowed me to get my thumb under him (have the photo)and stayed completely calm the 15-20 seconds it took us to get to the front door,then muchos gracious amigo hasta la vista

[@BeckVMH]

To this very day, you are still known as Legend and spoken of fondly among Dragonfly folklore.

[@brontehauptmann4217]

let me send you a medal

[@SuperGlen100]

So it was you, that dragonfly was way to hot for him to live, so I was cooling him, it was his idea btw, he was just tryna cool himself by hibernating, I didn't even know that he'd flew away, until he came home later that night, and told us what had happened, he couldn't remember your name, but he described you in great detail, we asked a police sketch artist to draw him, but alas, every single sketch he made were all just pictures of dragonflies, to us anyway?!! Well either way, he (and me) want to express our sincere gratitude, most people just don't care whether dragonflies live or die. Stay Strong brother, DLM....Dragonfly lives matter TV

[@kryvi9415]

i once found a presumably dead dragonfly in my garden (it was huge for an insect in norway!) and i took inside and watched it for a while in a microscope. it was very fascinating- until its tail started to move. i took it outside and it flew away but it was simultaneously a very cool and frightening experience

[@ketsuekikumori9145]

RS: Why did nature not keep the nearly 1 meter long dragonfly? Insectophobe: That's fine, I'm ok with the smaller one, thanks!

[@jasonreed7522]

The answer is O2 levels plummeted and insects breathe by diffusion of air into their bodies, so be thankful because otherwise we would also have 2m centipedes. Dragonflies are only so awesome because they are too small to target us and they eat pests. Edit: the video got to the oxygen part

[@tubewando8517]

im fine too, thanks

[@dionkrebs4677]

If an ant weighed 16oz it would be a really big issue for all life ..they would probably rule the world ..now let’s scale the dragon fly hmmm does not sound good for humans

[@AZdaJa]

@@dionkrebs4677 humans hunt and kill predators for fun. Bears, wolves, tigers, lions, big birds....we catch dragonflies when we are kids, we would hunt large ones...

[@RelativelyBest]

I'm scared of most insects larger than a grain of rice, so if you ask me the dragonflies we did get are still too big.

[@edwardsrubyg]

Super enlightening. I get dragonfly visits prior to blissful experience events! Phenomenal ❤ 🙏🏾 for such an elaborate explanation 🍀🥰

[@larrylaird-so5oy]

Fantastic video and your explanations are great.

[@klingonsexy]

So basically, the dragonfly was designed by an aeronautics engineer from the future! With a little input from an artist, which is why they are gorgeous!

[@jameshulse5129]

It is a great design there in the dna all along

[@savagepug]

Nature is the best engineer.

[@asadali-oe4zy]

And Still people deny GOD

[@AldousHuxley7]

God

[@pseudonayme7717]

Well no, it wasn't consciously 'designed' of course, its genes were selected by its DNA in response to external and internal pressures, such as the environment, availability and nature of its prey. Same as all other living things, it's an ongoing process.

[@bob2161]

I've been enamored with dragonflies for as long as I can remember. As I've learned more about them, the more I'm impressed by them. When I was a kid in 2nd or 3rd grade, we did a field trip to a museum. They had a large exhibit on the dragonflies. They had a collection of the dragon fossils arranged in chronological order, going backwards from today. The fossil was hanging on the wall, and in front of each fossil was a reproduction of what it would have looked like in life. These models were extremely lifelike, extremely colorful, and I thought they were beautiful. When I got down to the end and saw the biggest one my first thought was that it was an over scale model for the sake of showing various details. When the tour guide explained that it was life size I was amazed, and a little scared. As I got bit older, I had fantasies of being a falconer, but instead of a bird, flying one of these ancient, giant dragonflies.

[@rinnan8259]

i wanna ride one

[@liuhongqian]

@@rinnan8259 like the one in Avatar?

[@nootersnoot2397]

That’s actually insane. Imagine multi-mode aircraft having 360 degree insight and future prediction.

[@jdbb3gotskills]

I’m happy for these little things. Mosquitoes were terrible in late spring but at my house we had a swarm of dragonfly’s that ate a lot of mosquitoes around my house. So I could chill outside without being eaten alive.

[@momomin0218]

When I was growing up in the countryside in Japan, dragonflies were everywhere. I could catch them with my fingers sometimes. Of course I let them go quickly but some of the kids put thread on them so they wouldn't fly away. Those were the days... now I don't see many dragonflies anymore. Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful fact about them!

[@s.unosson]

Pesticides are enabling mankind to have more to eat for some time, but sterilizing the nature for future generations.

[@ngapik6985]

There were a lot of dragonflies back in my country too. Catching them was a fun challenge. You have to be super slow and not make any sudden move.

[@AB-wf8ek]

I remember catching dragonflies when I was in pre-school, I thought I had some kind of super power because none of the other kids could do it. I would keep them in a candy tin in my desk. I only caught a few because I soon learned they died. I still remember the smell, kind of like rotting grass.

[@homoerectus744]

....it takes about a half day, if you travel by ...dragonfly.- Mr.Jimi- Spanish Castle Magic.

[@ninbendoyt3203]

And cicadas too lol

[@Kris_L.]

I only found this channel a couple of months ago, and it immediately became one of my favorites. All time favorites. I am so blown away by the quality and complexity of this content. This is easily on par with any other videos involving research teams and production teams of dozens. Thank you so much for the effort you (and all other team members) put into these videos. The only complaint I have is that there aren't more videos for me to binge. 😁 But that doesn't even really matter because I can watch your vids over and over. Thanks to all who are a part of this.

[@realscience]

thank you!! it means a lot. we are constantly trying to get more videos out and make them better and better

[@Kris_L.]

@@realscience I'm usually not in a position where I can help channels with their sponsors or other monetary help. But I did sign up to curiosity stream and nebula with your link. Your content is something special and I am so looking forward to everything you guys bring in the future. Thank you for what you do.

[@AmberAmber]

@@realscience you're excellent!!! I can't believe I JUST found you today!!! TY for existing & creating • ALL!! *edit* •Whoops• Seems I find y'all regularly & then promptly forget (my subscriptions & notifications don't work well on my phones app); the forgetting is scarily frequent & is either an alarming early onset dementia, or HOPEFULLY a thing I'll call: 'COVID-19 Lockdown Brain'. Still • Excellent Work!!

[@ivin6415]

@@realscience when you talk about evolution which are you referring to ma'am? Marco,stellar,planetary,cosmic, or organic? Cause those are purely religious and if not gemme just one empirical evidence of Marco evidence🥸

[@ivin6415]

@@realscience Micro evolution is the only evolution proven to be proven right?

[@fingersmcginty]

Very well produced documentary. Thanks for this.

[@milknhoneyhoney]

I often find dragonfly larva in the pond at my Mom’s, they are the coolest little dudes!!! I had No idea that the solid colored spots on their wings had a function, that is amazing!!! I always learn something new from you 💖

[@masterbard]

I know this will sound like a fairy tale to most, but when I was in the Colombian part of the amazon forest, I saw several Dragon flies that were much larger than what you usually see everywhere else. they were not super common, and I probably saw 4 or 5 during the 6 month time I was there, but I swear to my mother that I saw them. they were at least 20 to 30cm wide or bigger than the distance between my thumb and pinky and were usually visible near creeks.

[@Xoruam]

Nah, that's entirely believable. During my time in Japan, I constantly saw spiders as long as 10cm lengthwise, though that did include legs. And I don't mean the Harvestmen, I mean _proper_ spiders, with "regular" legs-to-body ratio. And a lot of insects were also like... quintuple the size of anything you can find in Central/Eastern Europe. Admittedly, considering my arachnophobia that was... lest than optimal experience, but I can definitely imagine some monster dragonflies still flying around somewhere in the world.

[@seanoneil277]

In lush biotic regions relatively untouched by humans, you can see larger versions of many insects. Same holds true for freshwater trout. It's almost a biological rule -- you will see apex creatures in their subhabitats, actually stronger/larger/more adaptable, when the subhabitats are nearest to untouched (by humans) and are nutrient-rich.

[@homersimpson5964]

My family is from Colombia, I've never seen bigger cockroaches.

[@Xartavion]

As someone who has studied dragonflies for almost 30 years non-professionally, I've got to commend you on the quality of the video, information, and presentation here. Although I (understandably) knew much of what you presented here, I still found your approach and explanations of some things (like their aerial acrobatics and agility) quite excellent and couldn't stand to miss any of it as I was coming and going from the computer. Truly the apex of air predator evolution. Did you know about the millions of dollars the USAF spent putting these creatures through wind tunnel testing to try to unlock the secrets of their impossible maneuverability? Those were some interesting studies, too.

[@GUNNER67akaKelt]

One point bugged me. They said the one from prehistoric times were almost 1 meter long? I've heard of them being 10 inches. No where near a meter (39.37"). Ah, watched a little bit further, they're talking wingspan. I had no idea they were once THAT big. That would be awesome to see... and maybe a bit concerning, hehe.

[@cocojeffrey8502]

Other insects fold their wings so they can hide. Dragonfly advertises itself...try and catch me! So cool

[@sMASHsound]

Good info, presented well.

[@Xartavion]

@@GUNNER67akaKelt in high school, I did a few projects on them and found similar information "nearly 3 foot wingspans" etc. in several cited sources.

[@GUNNER67akaKelt]

@@Xartavion Huh, that would be a sight to see!

[@PinkLloyd88]

I’ve always appreciated dragon flies

[@allisawamigo4805]

Great intro to dragonflies. They are swarming in my backyard this fall 2022 in the coastal bend of Texas and I have been very curious about them.

[@cmw12]

This was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Perfect organization, perfect visuals, extremely high information content… Well done, and thank you!

[@spex357]

It mentions nothing about its life under water at all, which is a huge part of it's life.

[@Jasoninee]

@@spex357 Well it wouldn't be a dragonfly then yet would it? 🙃

[@spex357]

@@Jasoninee That's like saying Ice and water are two different things.

[@Jasoninee]

@@spex357 Yes and no... people do not really identify ice as water for wording. This is metamorphosis and an example would be a video about the amazing biology of a butterfly, and being upset that it doesnt have any focus on caterpillars. I would not have found it wrong if it did include it, but it is not something that needs to be included when discussing the bodies of dragonflies.

[@spex357]

@@Jasoninee How could someone talk about a Butterfly without talking about caterpillars, as it's only half of the story and without them they wouldn't exist.

[@Superwazop]

The production quality is really good, loved the sound design

[@mamoros56]

Thank you for this fascinating information about my favorite bugs! They would often come near to my pool. I was shocked one day when a dragonfly landed right on the tip of my nose while I was in the pool, and it stayed with me for a few minutes! They're delicate-looking but strong and beautiful but deadly - really amazing creatures!

[@rrsincerely5023]

Great voice work. Interesting perspective on something so common.

[@xynged]

"Why did evolution rob us of 1m monster dragonflies" Pity for other living things

[@jerulew3547]

On point!👍

[@gerretw]

The air pressure was much higher then, thicker air is easier to fly in - look at the petrosaurs they had a wingspan of some 33 feet that stood as tall as a giraffe. There's no other logical explanation of how they fly.

[@haroldwilkes6608]

Poor little chihuahuas...crunch.

[@jamesfoster4291]

Carbon is why they are smaller! We have less carbon

[@khalidazhar101]

Atmospheric pressure perhaps

[@cinnasteph]

i was kayaking last month and so many dragonflies would sit on my boat or on my legs. Even if i did big movements they wouldn’t move- i’m guessing they knew I wasn’t going to harm them. It was super cool to see these little guys taking a break on me when everyone else was flipping out about them😂

[@franceleeparis37]

Was probably attracted to your sweat.. butterflies tend to swarm around salty patches and quite often they can be seen on fresh animal urine patches… my guess is that dragon fly are much like butterflies but more lethal..😏

[@kaytlinjustis5643]

Years back, I was watering my front lawn by hand, and I saw for the first time, a large dragonfly with the bedazzling hue of a ruby! Before, I would see dragonflies that are blue or green in color. I remember standing perfectly still, thinking I'd scare it away if I moved, only to watch it dip its head into the flowing water. It flew out of sight before coming back to hover in the same spot, drinking the flowing water a second time before flying away. Thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen, as it never happened again. ^^

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

Stop making up dumb shit.... they didn't know you weren't going to hurt them. Stop being dramatic and overly sensationalizing.....

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

Dragonflies have their wings out straight from their body. Damsel flies fold their wings behind their bodies.

[@freesoul3371]

What lake was this? They may have been damsel flies if they were small 1.5" wingspan and length, very skinny and blue and in large numbers which adults will land on anything and hang out on a boat or kayak whereas dragonflies do not exhibit that behavior and avoid any predator, human, animal. Damsel flies will emerge on stillwater lakes and ponds in hundreds of million on lakes that have huge populations such as Davis Lake, CA or Craine Prarie Reservoir, OR whereas it is rare to see more than a dozen or so dragonflies flying around at anyone time and they avoid humans, predators and fly away.

[@liamredmill9134]

Well researched show,wonderfull variety of information on these dragons of old

[@covidhoax7646]

Absolutely excellent analysis!

[@risingsun49]

I rescued a Dragon Fly from a Spider Web . He was alive but had sticky web on his wings and couldn't fly so I put saliva on my finer tip and was able to remove the web without ripping his poor wing when I was done he hovered in front of my face for a few seconds as if saying thank you it was so touching .

[@InnerLuminosity]

Poor spider starved that night

[@cookieschocchips5551]

@@InnerLuminosity lol the spider clearly wasn't there otherwise it'd have killed the dragonfly

[@InnerLuminosity]

@cookieschocchips5551 oh they wait a while until the prey gets tired and stops moving...then they creep out the abyss and do that bad ass spider shit!! Whoo!!!

[@XvXSpookyScaryvSkellyGhostXvX]

@@cookieschocchips5551 they like to save their food for later

[@ericbishop8046]

Sometimes dragonflies will get trapped in spiderwebs, end up killing the spider, and then starve instead of being killed.

[@DRcrimeinvestigate]

as a kid, I was always impressed how they fly were around our farm and over the ponds I would just sit there watching them hover and perform incredible manuvre

[@fulan1to27]

As a kid, I was fascinated by dragonflies. They are so beautiful and come in all different colors. I would catch them all the time idk how after watching this video

[@longbowshooter5291]

Very well done! Makes me appreciate dragonflies even more.

[@sprat3127]

What intelligence to be able to skillfully control those beautiful wings! About 22 years ago, my husband and I stopped by a large creek to meditate. As I opened my eyes, a group of five dragonflies that were traveling over the water suddenly stopped in front of my face, hovered there for about 10 seconds, then suddenly did a 90 degree turn in synchronized fashion and continued on their way down the creek. It was otherworldly. I’ll never forget it. Thank you for this excellent content!

[@raulcanela5669]

I loved your inside

[@electricmanist]

Surely the intelligence is within the very design (and existence) of each of these creatures.

[@theonlyconstantischange123]

Was thinking the same thing. Intelligence comes in many flavors

[@electricmanist]

@@theonlyconstantischange123 Indeed ! It is akin to a lessor state of awareness (humans), trying to comprehend the supreme intelligence, (the infinite state of creative Being).

[@reliantncc1864]

There is zero intelligence involved. You've demonstrated more intelligence in this comment than a million dragonflies ever could. Intelligence is not the issue. Have you ever driven down the highway and changed lanes without thinking about it? That's still more intelligence than dragonflies have.

[@kaylaschroeder1]

That was probably one of the more intelligent "clicks" I've chosen in a while. Thank you for sharing and creating that incredible video! Now I absolutely have an even deeper appreciation for dragonflies than I already did. 😄🙌🏼🐲✈️🦋

[@jakerazmataz852]

I got here from Reddit. Who da thunk.

[@karenselway836]

What a FANTASTIC video. An absolute treat. ❤ Dragonflies are my favourite insects. Such beautiful creatures. We have a very small pond in our garden and its always a treat to see their larvae crawl onto the vegetation and transform into the the beauties they are.. Thankyou! ❤

[@harmoniac.design]

Beautiful insights. Thank you very much!

[@jonathanwoo9829]

Even without knowing all the intricacies ive always appreciated the dragonfly.

[@oddoneout1835]

They eat mosquitoes. They've my support.👍 I just wonder if they go after horse flies. Got a big one that zooms me outside, but I see 3-4 dragonflies zipping around. So I'm hopeful they'll catch it if it's target.

[@cognitiveconsonancescience2937]

They are beautiful. Love going down to the river and watching them zoom above the water.