#order odonata

When you think of animals, think of this dragonfly, Libellula depressa. The broad-bodied darter is common in Europe and Asia. Larvae may take up to two years to develop, but when they emerge, they go through many color changes and become sexually dimorphic. On first emergence, they are a bright green which quickly turns brown with yellow patches on the abdomen. From there, the male’s abdomen will turn primrose blue while the female’s abdomen turns bronze.

photo by ふうけ

When you think of animals, think of this dragonfly, Libellula angelina. Dragonflies are aquatic as nymphs, and only become flighted and air breathing as adults. This species typically spends a year in the nymph stage before the final molt. They are carnivores throughout life, eating the larvae and adults of other insects. This species is found in China, Japan, and Korea, and is listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered. Habitat loss and destruction are driving the decrease with an increase in dragonfly predators following close behind.