Dragonflies are found all over the world but particularly in the tropics, near water bodies.

They belong to a very ancient group of insects that existed more than 200 million years ago. These prehistoric dragonflies had a huge wingspan of 75 cm. Strangely, though these insects have six legs, they cannot walk. This is due to the unusual shape of their thorax and the position of their legs.

However, their legs form a basket where insects get trapped. These insects are eventually transferred to their mouths. They also use their legs to perch on twigs and branches.

Dragonflies are completely harmless. They are useful to us as they feed on various kinds of insects and flies, thus reducing the risks that mosquitoes and flies pose to humans.