Pretty Predators

During mosquito season these skillful flyers dart through the air or rest on high reeds, wings extended if they are true dragonflies, or brought together over their bodies if they are damselflies. Also called hawkers, darters and chasers, mosquito hawks delight all who watch their antics. Although these insects have similar wings, damselflies are more delicate in structure and less agile in the air.

Mosquito hawks are undoubtedly among the most beautiful insects. But a closer look reveals bug eyes nearly cover the head. Large jaws adapted to catching mosquitoes and flies complete the ghoulish impression. The compound eyes consist of hundreds of facets sensitive to light, all feeding into a central, nerve-like structure. They undoubtedly do not see as ours do. Dragonflies are, however, sensitive to sound and movement, and can catch flying insects well into dusk.

Probably because they have proved such efficient predators they have existed for 300 million years, since a time before dinosaurs. When you hear someone cursing insects, point out our friends, the beautiful dragonflies.