The largest insects that ever lived were dragonflies. Prehistoric dragonflies that lived over 200 million years ago had wingspans of over 2 feet. These insects are found around ponds and other bodies of water throughout Europe, the British isles, North Africa, the Middle East and Northwestern India. Wingspan 4 inches.
Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata.
There are over 5,000 species with 450 in North America. With more than 30,000 facets per eye, this is an extremely sharp-sighted insect, and it is one of the best fliers in the world because, unlike most insects, its front wings beat alternately with its hind wings, giving it better flight control. Males are almost constantly airborne in search of mates and prey. They prey on other insects and are very adept at capturing flying insects in the air, scooping them up with their legs. Dragonflies average about two years under water as nymphs where they feed on insect larvae, tadpoles and minnows.