Book 4, Question 40
Why Do Dragonflies Hover?
Hovering is hunting in place! A dragonfly has four wings that can beat in different patterns. So it can stop, dart, and snatch a flying insect right out of the air.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Dragonflies have four long wings and can hover in place, then zip off in a flash.
- They are among the fastest flying insects, reaching about 35 miles per hour.
- A dragonfly can hover, handle winds of up to 30 miles per hour and survive sharp turns of up to 9 G.
- Dragonflies only eat prey they catch while flying, so a dragonfly that cannot fly will starve.
- Resting dragonflies hold their wings out flat, while damselflies fold theirs together.
Sources: National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
How fast can a dragonfly fly?
About 35 miles per hour, which makes it one of the fastest insects.