Dragonflies, along with damselflies, com prise the order Odonata. Dragonflies are predatory insects. Young dragonflies are aquatic insects. By drawing water in through their gills, located in the posterior of their abdomens, and quickly forcing it out again they are able to powerfully propel themselves across the water surface. This technique is used in emergencies when a quick getaway is called for.
Mature dragonflies are among nature's most impressive fliers.
Because they achieve great speed and power relative to their size, their flying techniques have been studied extensively by aviation engineers. Dragonflies are able to fly as fast as 35 miles per hour, and to perform impressive mid-air acrobatics. Unlike most flying insects, dragonflies operate their front and rear wings in dependently. They twist their wings slightly on the downstroke, thus creating mini-whirlwinds that move over the wing surface faster than still air would. Adult dragonflies catch and eat their prey while flying.