Sometime, somewhere, a dragonfly and a sick snake became the stuff of legend, but we can only imagine the original tale. What we do know is that Southerners can claim no exclusivity of the dragonfly. About 4,700 species are found throughout the world, but that doesn't keep us from making them a part of our Southern heritage on a summer day. Picture a bayou, or some other waterway, on a hot afternoon as you laze under the shade of a moss-draped oak and soak in that elusive Southern mystique. The scent of honeysuckle hangs heavy in the humid air.
Sweat trickles down reddening cheeks.
The Superman of insects just buzzed by, a rainbow of colors reflecting off its veined, gossamer wings. Its speed and adept flightmanship leaves little doubt about another nickname, Darning Needles. And, oh, those eyes. The dragonfly, able to see sharply 130 feet away, has vision we can only wish for. Two large compound eyes occupy more than half of the head surface and offer the insect a faceted vision that is super sensitive to movement.