HEARTWOOD CHAPTER

This video provides an up-close and personal view of dragonflies. See them fly in slow motion, eat insects, and breathe through spiracles (holes) in their abdomens. 

Despite their name, dragonflies are not related to common flies. In fact, they are part of an entirely different group of insects. Dragonflies are part of the Odonata Order, which have roamed Planet Earth for approximately 300 million years. 

Dragonflies are predators, feeding on creatures smaller than themselves. They are useful in controlling mosquitos. They have large multifaceted (compound) eyes that can see nearly 360 degrees. As far as insects go, dragonflies are among the fastest. Some species can fly up to 30 miles per hour and quickly and accurately change directions. 

The video was filmed at The Spring Creek Greenway, Texas (Montgomery Preserve, Old Riley Fuzzel Road Preserve, Pundt Park and Jesse H Jones Park). The Greenway is an important segment of the Sam Houston Trail & Wilderness Preserve, designed to connect and protect up to 12,000 acres of forest. See: http://www.springcreekgreenway.com/th... for additional information.