Lately, in preparation for a behavioral sequence we hope to record, I have been studying the behavior of dragonflies (fig. 1 in our production logo). Our local dragonfly expert is Bob Grobe, who was generous enough to come over a few weeks back and share some of what he knows. The other night was a particularly rich one for dragonflies. The light was fading. I looked up and saw dozens on the patrol, rapidly seeking -then catching- mosquitoes. So many above that I could hear a faint roar, like a miniature air force. Before and after the use of DDT, dragonflies have long had the assignment of pest control. One of the species many tasks in its supposed 300 million year existence. I wonder what dragonflies did when they were the size of great black-backed gulls? Fossil records indicate that one had a 2.5 foot wide wingspan. That’s scary. Something fierce is within these amazing creatures.

As a visual person, I’m also astounded at the complexity and omniscience of their eyes. For starters, they see 360 degrees. 30,000 individual lens, all sending light information to the brain about the world around it. All around it. Is everything in focus? I wonder. And imagine the complexity of those brains, to integrate and process all that data… and then move from information to task.

My reading also reveals a curious story -source uncertain- that dragonflies were once believed to deter children from spending time outdoors. Apparently, they sewed shut the eyelids of the bold child who dared to sleep out under the stars.

Posted on August 28th, 2009 in Indie Film, Parents, Scientists

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