The dragonfly’s large compound eyes are made up of thousands of optical units which help the dragonfly see in almost every direction at the same time. An almost 360 degree world view; now that’s super vision!

Why does a dragonfly need to see everywhere at one time? How does this adaptation help the dragonfly survive in its wild habitat? What other adaptations allow it to succeed?

Flying Hunters

The dragonfly is an avid carnivore of the insect world and skilled hunter often on the lookout for smaller flying insects. Its large compound eyes peer in every direction but behind, which is how it finds its prey and watches out for enemies.

The dragonfly is built to fly fast, up to 30 miles per hour. With its strong, agile wings and long, narrow body, it zips through the air to snatch slower flying insects for a quick meal. Also, the dragonfly has a strong jaw for tough chewing of crunchy prey. But don’t worry – while its bite may be lethal to insects, it won’t hurt a human handler (however, please handle with care always!).

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